The West Australian premier, Mark McGowan, has announced a three-day lockdown in Perth and the Peel region to contain the outbreak connected to the Mercure quarantine hotel.

The snap restrictions were introduced after a returned traveller contracted the virus in hotel quarantine and then, once released, spent five days in Perth before leaving for Melbourne on Wednesday.

From 11.59pm Friday, 23 April until 11.59 Monday, 26 April the following rules apply:

When can I leave my house?

You can only leave your house for the following reasons:

  • Work, if you cannot work from home

  • For essential supplies, like groceries or medical supplies, or takeaway

  • For compassionate reasons, like care

  • Exercise, but only for one hour per day within a 5km radius of your home

  • Emergencies

How far can I travel from home?

People in the Perth and Peel region cannot leave the area during the lockdown. If your home is in the affected area, you may leave your home to exercise for up to one hour per day. You must stick to a 5km radius of your home, and you must stay within the affected area.

What are the rules for exercise?

You can exercise for one hour a day, within a 5km radius of your home. You can exercise with up to four other people, but there are two conditions: everyone in the group must be from the same household, and there can be no more than two adults in your group. So, for example, one adult can exercise with up to four children, or two adults can exercise with up to three children, all from the same household. You must wear a mask while exercising, unless it is vigorous exercise.

What are the rules for wearing face masks?

People must wear a mask at all times, except in their own home or while doing vigorous exercise.

Can I dine in at a restaurant or cafe?

No. Restaurants, pubs and other dining venues are only allowed to be open for takeaway.

Are the shops open?

Only essential shops such as supermarkets, liquor stores and pharmacies will remain open.

Will sporting matches still go ahead?

Only professional sport will proceed over the three days, and only players and support staff will be able to attend.

What about weddings, funerals and religious services?

Weddings and funerals will be permitted, however, with a maximum of 100 guests not including staff, and masks must be worn.

Will Anzac Day services still go ahead?

Anzac Day services have been cancelled this weekend. People are advised to hold a driveway dawn service similar to what occurred last year.

  • Due to the unprecedented and ongoing nature of the coronavirus outbreak, this article is regularly updated to ensure it reflects the current situation at the date of publication. Any significant corrections made to this or previous versions of the article will continue to be footnoted in line with Guardian editorial policy.

Read the WA Government’s full stay at home order here.



This content first appear on the guardian

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