Christmas COVID-19 rules: French backpacker sparks mask return
An unvaccinated French backpacker in Perth has tested positive, sparking the return of some restrictions for Christmas.
New restrictions in Perth and Peel regions from 6PM Thursday night.
- Masks mandatory public indoor settings (including workplaces)
- Large public events cancelled
- Nightclubs closed
- No dancing (except at weddings)
The rules are in place until 6am December 28.
Masks are recommended outdoors when not exercising, but they are not mandatory outside.
So an unvaccinated French backpacker can come into WA from Queensland and Premier doesn’t know when he came into Australia. 🤨
Yet double, even triple vaccinated West Australians and families are not allowed in. 🤷🏼♂️
Merry Christmas @PerthLive6PR
— Oliver Peterson (@oliverpeterson) December 23, 2021
The unvaccinated backpacker, 25, entered WA just one hour before the border with Queensland was lifted to require travellers to self-quarantine when there was only a “handful” of positive cases in Queensland.
He has been in WA for 12 days staying in a house in Girrawheen with four other people and his girlfriend, who is symptomatic.
The man felt sick on Sunday and was tested on Wednesday, with the positive result coming through on Thursday morning.
Mr McGowan said the man had been in contact with hundreds of people, and was likely infectious with the Delta strain.
“As you can see he’s a backpacker who went out to restaurants, bars, nightclubs, museums and things … that’s why we’re so concerned … there’s been lots of interaction in proximity,” he said.
News of the case unfolded live on 6PR when regular Drive host Oliver Peterson, who is on holidays, called in to 6PR Mornings, to relay the news.
“I have just been speaking to a friend of mine who was at the Geisha Bar, that’s in Northbridge on Saturday night and they have just received a text message.”
BREAKING: Friend of mine just got this. COVID 19 positive in Northbridge saturday night. #perthnews @PerthLive6PR pic.twitter.com/ppGh0MVmU5
— Oliver Peterson (@oliverpeterson) December 23, 2021
Press PLAY below to hear Oly call in