No new local cases since mandate, but Omicron spread likely: McGowan

Western Australia has recorded no new local cases of COVID-19 since the reintroduction of the mask mandate overnight, but Premier Mark McGowan has warned it is likely Omicron is lingering within the community.

The state government reintroduced the mandate for Perth and Peel overnight after five new cases were recorded within a 40-hour window, three of which were recorded from 1pm yesterday and included in today's numbers.

Two of the latest cases are linked to the Cockburn cluster, while the third a known close contact of a previously reported case.

Several of the new cases have been linked to U Natural Spa in Applecross as well as New U Massage in Mount Lawley.

Clients of both businesses are being required to present for testing and undergo 14 days of isolation, with Mr McGowan labelling both locations a “significant concern”.

As a result, the number of potential exposure sites throughout WA has risen to almost 230, with a host of sites at Garden City Shopping Centre in Booragoon and tourist sites throughout Margaret River added to the list.

New exposure sites have also been identified in Midland, Swan View, Mundaring, Cannington, Northbridge, Beedelup and Forest Grove.

A further nine cases were recorded among returned travellers, all who are in isolation.

During a press conference this afternoon, Mr McGowan said the state had been forced to act, with the growing number of cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant posing a risk to the community.

“We suspect there are more cases within the community,” he said.

“Do not ignore the signs, review the exposure sites regularly, and get tested today.”

With the state now just three weeks away from opening, Mr McGowan also warned that Western Australians could be donning masks until mid-year.

"I think long-term mask-wearing is a strong possibility - nothing is definitive - but it is a very strong possibility," he said.

Meanwhile, the state reached a first dose vaccination rate of 95.3 per cent for those over the age of 12 today, with 87.9 per cent now fully vaccinated.