Mask mandate in South West set to become new normal as COVID exposure sites in Margaret River identified

The South West is coming to terms with the new normal following a snap mask mandate as COVID exposure sites were identified in the region. Mask restrictions expanded late Monday afternoon after the McGowan Government revealed a COVID-positive person had spent time in the region from January 12, visiting several locations. From Monday evening, people in the South West must comply with wearing a face covering in all indoor public settings, including workplaces, aged care facilities and hospitals. South West Superintendent Geoff Stewart said he was pleased with how well the community have abided by the mandate. “There hasn’t been any reports to us of any widespread non-adherence to the mask mandate, we haven’t had to enforce it or made and charges which has been great to see,” he said. “We will always reinforce by education to do the right thing, if people see what’s coming and the increase of cases around and about to happen, we just ask them to continue to wear masks to protect themselves, their families and the community.” Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the community should continue to follow State Government advice ahead of easing of restrictions and increasing case numbers. “I’m pleased to see people out and about in Bunbury doing the right thing and wearing masks,” he said “I encourage our community to keep following the latest COVID-19 advice and directions being provided by the State Government.” “Further, I encourage people to regularly check the Department of Health’s exposure sites list, to monitor their health and to get tested if they do develop symptoms.” The Department of Health said in a statement it was “working through reported cases and is in the process of identifying close and casual contacts, and additional exposure sites.” Anyone who has visited the South West from January 12 and then travelled to another region must also wear a mask for 14 days following their visit. Dongara-based mother and daughter Ella and Brooke Black had been on holiday in South West when the mask mandate was enforced earlier this week. “We have been travelling around the South West when the mandate was announced, and we are going home to Dongara in the next two days so we will have to keep our masks on for another two weeks,” Mrs Black said. “The weather has been hot, so it hasn’t been very nice having to wear them, but it’s what we have to do to protect everyone.” “You just always have to have a mask with you just in case, we just have to get used to it because this will be our new way of life.” Premier Mark McGowan said the mask mandate was being introduced in response to “increasing concerns around the spread of Omicron in the South West community”.