Hotel-quarantine acquired cases confirmed

The WA Health Department has recorded two new cases of hotel-quarantine acquired COVID-19 today, following confirmation of genome sequencing data.

The previously reported infections were initially listed as being overseas acquired.

The Department can confirm the virus was transmitted in hotel quarantine at the Mercure Hotel Perth, as two sets of guests, in rooms opposite each other, had the same sequence of virus – despite arriving from different countries at different times.

All other guests who previously stayed on the same (sixth) floor during this time and have been released from the hotel facility tested negative prior to release. These guests will be re-tested and directed to self-isolate until cleared by the public health team.

Guests who were previously in the rooms immediately adjacent will be self-quarantined for 14 days since their last potential exposure and tested.

All hotel workers currently undertake daily testing and will continue to do so. There have been no positive staff tests to date.

The Acting Chief Health Officer has immediately commenced an investigation into how the transmission occurred.

While similar transmission in hotels in other jurisdictions has not resulted in community transmission, the community must always remain vigilant. The threat of COVID-19 remains real.

This is a timely reminder that if you are experiencing symptoms, please go and get a COVID test. Even if you have previously returned a negative test – if you have symptoms, it’s imperative you go and get tested again.

COVID-19 vaccination is the best protection against the virus for workers and members of the public. Therefore, we encourage people to get the vaccination as soon as they become eligible.

ENDS

Media contact: 9222 4333