WA COVID-19: South West COVID tests reach 300+ as exposure site number grow in the region

South West testing centres saw more than 100 people pass through each day over the weekend, after COVID-19 exposure sites began to appear in the region. According to WA Country Health Services, more than 300 tests were administered at public health providers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The numbers come after more than 20 COVID-19 exposure sites were announced over the three days, including shopping centres, beaches and petrol stations between Bunbury and Margaret River. The exposure dares vary from December 21 to December 30. Last week, the South West also saw one of it’s busiest days on record, administering 720 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in one day. WACHS principal health officer Dr Helen Van Gessel said testing and vaccination were proven to be the “single most effective” way to protect the community from COVID-19 spread. “Our expert contact tracing teams work really quickly to identify anyone who has been to an exposure site. If that’s you, it’s really important you follow the relevant health advice,” she said. “If everyone does their part, we can stop the spread and protect the community. “We know being fully vaccinated reduces the likelihood of catching COVID-19 and helps prevent severe COVID illness and hospitalisation. “And while I’m proud to see so many people doing their bit to keep us all healthy, I implore anyone who hasn’t yet rolled up to not delay it any longer.” As of January 1, West Australians are now eligible to receive their “booster” third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, four months after their second round. The rapid increase in exposure sites comes after backpackers and interstate visitors travelled to the South West, flouting stay-at-home orders, sans mask or COVID-19 testing. Despite the virus making its way to the South West, Mr McGowan has not enforced restrictions in the region other than for people who have been in the Perth and Peel region. Stay up to date with the latest exposure sites on the Healthy WA website.