WA records five new cases of COVID-19 relating to backpacker

PIC: 9News

Western Australia has recorded five new COVID-19 cases relating to a backpacker who tested positive on Wednesday.

One was a close contact and the four others were casual contacts from an event at the Perth Mess Hall in Northbridge on December 19.

The State Government has now upgraded the contact status for the Perth Mess Hall - meaning anyone, around 400 people, who attended the event must get tested and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.

The 25-year-old French backpacker arrived in Perth on December 12 just before our hard border returned with Queensland.

His girlfriend and housemates, who are vaccinated, have tested negative.

Masks are now mandatory until Tuesday morning in all indoor public spaces.

New requirements for hospitality venues will be put in place from 6pm on Friday.

All licensed hospitality venues must be seated service only.

"I understand these public health measures are not the news we wanted to hear just before Christmas," Premier Mark McGowan said.

"But they are necessary to keep us safe and minimise any potential community spread of the virus, which would have far worse consequences."

A list of exposure sites can be found here.
 

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