WALGA

COVID Changes

As of Friday, 9 September there are changes to the isolation period for some COVID cases and mask requirements on public transport.

Isolation period changes

Western Australia’s mandatory COVID-19 isolation period will reduce from 7 to 5 days from Friday 9 September, in line with national recommendations. The 5-day isolation period applies to people with COVID-19 and close contacts, provided they have no symptoms at day 5. People with COVID-19 who have symptoms at day 5 should remain at home until their acute symptoms resolve.

People who work at or visit high-risk settings, such as hospitals, healthcare services, residential disability care and residential aged care facilities, are not permitted to enter these facilities for at least 7 days after testing positive or becoming a close contact. This is to protect people vulnerable to severe illness. The COVID Transition (Testing and Isolation) Directions No 18 are available here.

Mask mandates lifted on public transport

Mask wearing requirements on all public transport, domestic flights and rideshare services and taxis will be removed from Friday 9 September. Masks will still be required for high-risk settings such as hospitals, correctional facilities, residential aged care and disability service facilities to protect those most vulnerable to severe illness. Mask use is recommended in indoor settings for people with COVID-19 on days 6 and 7. The COVID Transition (Face Covering) Direction No 9 are available here. The Air Travel (Face Covering) Revocation Directions are available here.

Public health measures still recommended

Public health measures remain highly recommended, such as hand hygiene, physical distancing, mask wearing in crowded indoor settings, taking a COVID-19 test if symptoms develop, and staying home until symptoms have cleared.

The Chief Health Officer's advice, which informed these changes, is available online.

COVID Testing Update

From Monday 5 September 2022, public-run COVID testing clinics in metropolitan Perth will change to 8am to 4pm, 7 days a week.

The four public-run COVID clinics in metropolitan Perth are Royal Perth Hospital, Joondalup Hospital, Rockingham Hospital, and the PathWest Murdoch drive-through.

Opening hours at regional public COVID clinics in Bunbury, Broome and Kununurra will not change.

Public COVID clinics will continue to offer PCR testing without a referral for people who have COVID-like symptoms and close contacts on Day 6 of their isolation period. A RAT may be provided for testing at home if demand for PCR tests exceeds capacity at a public COVID clinic.

From 1 October, you will need a GP referral to get a PCR test for COVID-19 by a private pathology provider. For more information visit the Department of Health website.