Local COVID cases grow by 194

The number of locally acquired COVID-19 cases in Western Australia has risen by 194 overnight, more than four times the number of community infections reported just three days ago.

In a statement released this afternoon, WA Health confirmed the state had recorded 202 new cases, only eight of whom were returned travellers.

The number of local cases represents a significant jump from the 62 recorded on Monday and the 115 recorded on Wednesday.

Today’s figures take the total number of active cases in WA to 724, none of whom are in hospital.

As numbers continue to rise, WA Health has issued a fresh plea to those in the Perth, Peel, Wheatbelt, Pilbara and South West regions to get tested and isolate if they are experiencing symptoms.

The news comes as the number of potential public exposure sites grew, with positive cases having visited The Federal Hotel and The Old Synagogue in Fremantle, and Gold Bar in Subiaco over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the third dose vaccination rate for those aged 16 and over has risen to 55.3 per cent, while 95.3 per cent of Western Australians aged 12 and over are now fully vaccinated.

The first dose vaccination rate for those aged 12 and over has now reached 98.7 per cent.