Queensland has become the first state to declare large parts of Western Australia a coronavirus hotspot after a new case of the potentially highly infectious strain of COVID-19 was revealed.
WA Premier Mark McGowan confirmed the new case and announced a snap five-day lockdown during an emergency COVID-19 press conference today.
The positive result is from a male hotel security guard in his 20s who worked at a hotel in Perth's CBD and is believed to have had a second job with a rideshare company.
The new case is suspected to be the UK variant of the virus, which is significantly more contagious.
Queensland Health said in a statement tonight that anyone who has been in Metropolitan Perth, Peel or the South West regions of WA who arrives in Queensland from 6pm tonight will face 14 days hotel quarantine.
"Anyone who is already in Queensland but has been in Perth or the Peel or South West regions since January 26 should come forward and get tested and isolate until getting a negative result," the statement said.
Queensland Health said the timeframe of the mandatory hotel quarantine may change as it receives more information about WA's COVID-19 situation.
South Australia
South Australian authorities are monitoring the situation in WA but yet to announce any new restrictions.
"SA authorities are monitoring the WA COVID-19 situation & urging South Australians to seriously consider if travel to WA today or in the coming days is essential, & says those now travelling in WA should consider returning ASAP," 9News reporter Harvey Biggs tweeted.
https://twitter.com/HarveyBiggs/status/1355771794834083842?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwOther states
New South Wales, Victorian and territory governments are expected to make announcements as they consider the implications of the new WA case.
Mr McGowan this afternoon said he had contacted Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory Premiers to advise them of the situation.
"I have recommended that they put a stop to any travel into Western Australia as an extra precautionary measure," he said.
WA last recorded a community transmission COVID-19 case in April next year.
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