Premier Mark McGowan today said the decision not to have 45,000 people at Optus Stadium was made with the safety of West Australians in mind.
“We have to clampdown on COVID-19 so we can return to normal business more quickly, so, based on the additional information that has now come to light, we have made the decision to not permit spectators to attend the derby this afternoon,” he said.
“There will be no crowd at this event at Optus Stadium this afternoon.”
Mr McGowan said he understoof people may be angered by the news, but said it was necessary.
“I understand people will be disappointed and some people will be frustrated by the decision, but it has been made on health advice and we have tried to communicate this as quickly as possible,” he said.
“Having 45,000 people try to get to Optus Stadium at the same time is too much of a risk, especially as we are still going through the close contacts.”
The West Coast Eagles will take on the Fremantle Dockers to the empty stadium at 2.20pm AWST time (4.40 AEST).
The man, aged in his 20s, is believed to have been infectious in the community for four days after potentially contracting the virus from two positive travellers quarantining on the same floor he was guarding.
No new cases were recorded in WA today after more than 3000 tests.
This content first appear on 9news