WA Premier Mark McGowan giving the daily coronavirus update now. “Too many people in our community are disregarding the social distancing measures ... they are putting the lives of older and vulnerable Australians at risk,” he says. @abcperth #perthnews
“We need to expect these restrictions will be in place for six months,” WA Premier says of new social distancing measures. Libraries and cultural institutions will be included.
“Unfortunately this means devastation for many businesses and employees,” McGowan says of shutdown measures.
“Children should continue to go to school ... but I understand many parents are concerned.” Rules will be relaxed to provide parents with choice. Laws ensuring children go to school will now not be enforced in WA, Premier Mark McGowan says.
School resources will be provided so that children who do remain from home can continue to keep up with curriculum
Breaking - the Magnifica cruise ship with 1700 passengers wants to arrive at Fremantle as early as tonight. About 250 passengers have upper respiratory symptoms. Premier Mark McGowan says passengers and crew will “not be allowed to wander streets” @abcperth #perthnews
Options are being developed for Magnifica cruise ship. Premier says state will work with the commonwealth throughout the day on how to handle that situation
20 new cases in WA. Six from Ruby Princess cruise ship, passengers who returned to Perth from NSW. Another from Ovation of the Seas ship. WA now has 140 cases. 12 patients in hospital. Two in critical conditions. @abcperth #perthnews
WA’s coronavirus testing regime set to be broadened. Still not clear exactly what that will look like.
On the Magnifica cruise ship, Mark McGowan says “passengers and crew will not be out there in the community”. Assessing what to do to help out critically ill passengers. Ship needs to refuel, at Fremantle elsewhere.
“We’re not ruling anything out,” Premier says on Magnifica ship. Raises defence force assistance, treatment in hospitals or treating them onboard as options.
“Do I need to go out? Do I need to come into contact with other people?” That’s what WA Health Minister Roger Cook says people should be asking themselves before they leave the house.
Police Commissioner Chris Dawson says discussions being had about ADF medical resources to treat people on stricken cruise ship due to head to Fremantle
Process has begun to clear Rottnest Island for possible quarantine use, Premier Mark McGowan confirms.
