Covid 19: Coronavirus Update

Uniting remains focused on reducing the impacts of COVID-19 on our team, the people we support and the broader community.

This page will be updated regularly.

Latest update: Tuesday 26 April – New baseline public health measures effective 12.01am, Friday 29 April 2022

Based on the latest health advice, effective 12.01am Friday, 29 April, WA will be easing public health measures back to baseline settings.

Changes to public health measures include:

  • Masks are no longer mandatory except for high-risk settings (for people aged 12 years and older), including public transport, taxis and rideshare vehicles and other passenger transport and hospitals, residential aged care and disability service facilities, and correctional facilities
  • Close contacts with no symptoms are not required to isolate for 7 days but must undertake a daily Rapid Antigen Test, wear a mask with leaving the house, avoid high-risk settings (including hospitals, disability facilities and correctional facilities), work from home where possible and avoid non-essential gatherings
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations is no longer required to enter venues and businesses, except for hospitals and aged care facilities, and mandatory workplace vaccination requirements remain in place
  • Two visitors are permitted per patient per day at hospitals, and essential visitors are also allowed at hospitals for compassionate reasons, carers/parents/guardians etc. (proof of vaccination and masks are required).

For detailed information on the easing of measures, visit the WA Government website.

Wednesday 14 April – Public health measures eased from 12.01am on 14 April

The WA Government has announced that public health measures will be eased further from 12:01am Thursday 14 April.

Changes to public health and social measures include:

  • refined close contact definition to align with National Cabinet’s definition
  • limits to home and private outdoor gatherings will be removed
  • contact registration will only be required for people visiting a hospital
  • 500 capacity limit for all hospitality venues and function centres to be removed.

A close contact will now only be defined as a household-type contact or intimate partner of a COVID-19 case.

The definition includes a person who resides with or stays overnight in the same premises or has had more than four hours of cumulative contact with a COVID-19 case in a residential setting ( including shared accommodation), without wearing a mask, or someone directed by WA Health that they are a close contact.

Wednesday 9 March – Very high caseload measures effective 12.01am Thursday 9 March.

Very-high caseload measures will be introduced state-wide from Thursday 9 March.

The WA Government have announced that in this high caseload setting, businesses that have registered their critical workforce will have the option of implementing new testing and isolation protocols for critical workers, to ensure essential operations can continue.

The definition of a critical worker includes people who cannot work from home and who work for support services that prevent significant harm to an individual or the community.

These services include:

  • drug and alcohol treatment and support
  • disability support
  • child protection
  • support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people
  • prevention of or recovery from institutional abuse, family or domestic violence or abuse
  • public housing support
  • homelessness support, including but not limited to services provided to people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless
  • support relating to mental health

These critical workers who are asymptomatic close contacts can attend work as a last resort, if mutually agreed between employer and employee, with the following protocols:

  • record a daily negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) prior to attending or on arrival at the workplace;
  • wear a surgical mask to work and outside your home, and travel alone, if possible;
  • when not at work, you must self-isolate;
  • if symptoms ever develop, you must follow symptomatic close contact protocols; and
  • if a RAT is positive, you must follow confirmed positive case protocols.

To assist with meeting the critical worker requirements, RATs have been distributed to public and non-government schools across WA for use by asymptomatic staff identified as close contacts who agree to return to work.

For the full list of defined critical workers and for more information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au

Monday February 21 – Level 2 public health measures effective 12.01am Thursday March 3.

Upgraded public and social measures will be introduced state-wide from Thursday 3 March.

In addition to existing requirements, measures from 12.01am on Thursday 3 March will include:

  • children in Years 3-6 added to mask wearing requirements in all public indoor settings;
  • home gatherings limited to a total of 10 people indoors and outdoors;
  • private outdoor gatherings in public space limited to 50 people;
  • limit of two visitors per resident per day to aged care and disability care facilities;
  • No visitors to hospitals, except for spouses, parents or carers, birth partners.

These Level 2 measures are expected to be in place for about four weeks, with a review to be undertaken at the end of the month.

Level 1 measures currently apply across the State in addition to existing indoor mask requirements, proof of vaccination, contact registration and restrictions to remote Aboriginal communities.

For a full list of the Level 2 restrictions, visit the WA Government website.

Friday February 18 – New public health and social measures in regions throughout the State from 6am Monday February 21.

New public and social measures will be introduced for regions including Perth, Peel, South-West, Wheatbelt, Great Southern and Pilbara from Monday 21 February.

In addition to the existing indoor mask requirements, proof of vaccination, contact registration and restrictions to remote Aboriginal communities, measures from 6am on Monday 21 February will include:

  • visitation at residential aged care and disability care facilities, and hospitals limited to four visitors per patient/resident per day, exemptions for compassionate reasons;
  • home gatherings limited to a total of 30 people;
  • private outdoor gatherings (not at a private residence) limited to a total of 200 people;
  • two square metre rule introduced for hospitality, fitness venues, entertainment venues, cultural venues, places of worship, hairdressers and beauty services;
  • The mask rules for all indoor public settings will also be expanded State-wide.

For a full list of the new Level 1 restrictions, visit the WA Government website.

Monday February 7 – New COVID protocols come into effect tomorrow.

The WA Government has today announced that the new protocols for a high caseload that were announced in January will be introduced to WA, as of tomorrow, February 8.

The implementation of these new protocols will help manage community transmission and minimise disruption caused by the virus in the community.

The high caseload settings previously announced will be implemented from tomorrow:

  • New close contact definition
  • New testing and isolation guidelines
  • Specific school and childcare centre close contact protocols
  • Mandatory positive Rapid Antigen Test registration. 

Starting from Wednesday, 9 February, the following will also be implemented:

  • Quarantine for approved international / interstate travellers will be reduced to seven days;
  • Travellers must then wear a mask in indoor and outdoor settings for the seven days after they self-quarantine;
  • Vaccinated direct international travellers are permitted to self-quarantine at a suitable premise, if eligible.
  • Mandatory use of G2G NOW will be required by all arrivals in self-quarantine;
  • Unvaccinated international arrivals required to complete 14 days in hotel quarantine. 

Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) can be used as a diagnostic tool from tomorrow (February 8).
Western Australians are urged to continue to utilise the PCR testing clinics, while clinics can manage the number of PCR tests required.

Any travellers, positive cases or asymptomatic close contacts currently in self-quarantine under the previous settings, are able to leave quarantine once they have completed seven days and have returned a negative RAT test. If symptomatic, people need to continue in isolation until symptoms resolve.

Latest update: Friday 28 January – Announcement of definitions for close contacts and rules for isolation

Premier McGowan has today announced the definition for close contacts and the rules for isolation, for when WA reaches a high caseload environment.

When WA will reach a high caseload environment, will be based on the State’s epidemiological and outbreak situation, and subject to the latest health advice.

In a high caseload environment, a new close contact definition will apply, and new testing and isolation protocols will take effect.

The use of Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) forms part of the new testing and isolation protocols once these come into effect, with PCR testing to continue in some circumstances. A registration system for positive RAT results will be in place with more details to be released ahead of these settings taking effect.

In line with the national approach, casual contacts will cease in WA – meaning casual contacts will no longer be subject to testing and isolation as a matter of course, however people who experience symptoms should get a PCR test immediately.

A close contact, in a high caseload environment, will be defined as:

  • a household member or intimate partner of a person with COVID-19 who has had contact with them during their infectious period; or
  • someone who has had close personal interaction with a person with COVID-19 during their infectious period, for example:
    • had at least 15 minutes face-to-face contact where a mask was not worn by the exposed person or the person with COVID-19;
    • greater than 2 hours within a small room with a case during their infectious period, where masks have been removed for this period; or
    • someone who is directed by WA Health that they are a close contact.

Updated testing and isolation guidelines, in a high caseload environment, will include:

Confirmed positive case

  • self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days; and
  • at Day 7, if symptoms still present, continue isolating until symptoms clear; or
  • if no symptoms after Day 7, you can leave self-isolation. No testing required.

Symptomatic close contact

  • self-isolate for seven days from the date of contact with positive case; and
  • take a PCR or RAT test on Day 1 or as soon as possible
    • if positive – follow positive case guidelines (as above).
    • if negative – stay in isolation, take a RAT test in 24 hours and remain in isolation.
      • if positive – follow positive case guidelines (as above).
      • if negative – and no new household members have tested positive – take a RAT test again on Day 7, before ending isolation.

Asymptomatic close contact

  • self-isolate for seven days from the date of contact with positive case;
  • if symptoms develop, take a PCR or RAT test; or
    • if positive – follow positive case guidelines (as above)
  • if still asymptomatic, take a RAT on Day 7.
    • if positive – follow positive case guidelines.
    • if negative – and no new household members have tested positive – self-isolation ends after Day 7, and people should monitor for symptoms.

Symptomatic but not a close contact

  • get a PCR test immediately and isolate until result returned;
    • if positive – follow positive case guidelines (as above).
    • if negative – you are not required to isolate but should stay home until symptoms clear.
  • if you take a RAT, because a PCR test is unavailable:
    • if positive – follow positive case guidelines (as above).
    • if negative – continue to isolate and repeat RAT in 24 hours – if negative after this follow-up test, you are not required to isolate but should stay home until symptoms clear.
Thursday 27 January – Masks mandatory in Wheatbelt and Great Southern from 6pm tonight

Due to a number of new cases of COVID-19 being detected outside of Perth, a mask mandate for all indoor public settings will be extended to the Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions at 6pm tonight.

The mask rule will also apply to anyone who has been in these regions since January 20 and has since travelled to another region.

Masks must be worn in all indoor public settings, including in Uniting residential settings.

In addition, people in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt are being urged to:

  • Regularly check exposure sites and follow the corresponding health advice for that location if visited during the time listed
  • Monitor their health and get tested immediately if they develop symptoms
  • Check-in using SafeWA or ServiceWA apps, or complete contact registers
  • Get vaccinated, including booster doses, as soon as they’re eligible.
Sunday 16 January – Perth and Peel mask mandate for all public indoor venues

Due to a number of new local cases of COVID-19 and based on the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer, as of 6pm tonight the mask mandate will be reintroduced for all public indoor venues in the Perth and Peel regions.

The mask mandate will not apply to the home, and will not apply for people doing vigorous indoor exercise or children under 12.

Please follow government advice and get tested immediately if you have visited one of the exposure sites listed on the Healthy WA website.

Thursday 13 January – Proof of vaccination requirements

Premier McGowan has today announced that ahead of our Safe Transition Plan, proof of vaccination requirements will be expanded to a wider range of venues and to apply state-wide.

Effective Monday, 31 January, double dose proof of vaccination for those aged 16 and older will be required for:

  • Visitors to public and private hospitals and aged care facilities
  • All hospitality venues including restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, taverns, night clubs and dine-in fast food (roadhouses, service stations, and takeaway is exempt)
  • Indoor entertainment venues, including play centres, gaming and gambling, theatres, concert halls, museums, cinemas and live music venues
  • Bottle shops
  • The entire Crown Perth complex
  • Major stadiums
  • Gyms, fitness centres and health studios
  • Amusement parks and the zoo
  • Music festivals and large events with more than 500 people, unless exempt.

Community sport and school-based events, unless at one of the specific venues listed, are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirements.

For more information, read the media statement here.

Tuesday 11 January – New exposure sites and the new ServiceWA app

WA Health has recorded four new local cases of COVID-19 in WA to 8pm last night. One of the four local cases has potentially been in the community while infectious. All new cases are now in quarantine.

Please check the list of exposure sites on the Healthy WA website and get tested immediately and isolate if you feel unwell or have visited any of the exposure sites listed.

Mask wearing requirements

Masks continue to be required when visiting Uniting residential homes, as well as:

  • Public transport
  • Taxis and rideshare
  • Hospitals.

ServiceWA app

The WA Government has launched the new ServiceWA app. This app is an important and useful tool for Western Australians as we head into WA’s Safe Transition.

Setting up the ServiceWA app and your Digital Identity will take some time. It has been suggested to allow at least 30 minutes to complete the new process. You’ll need to have easy access to forms of identification like a passport, driver’s licence or Medicare card.

The app set up process only needs to be completed once and ensures your information is verified and protected at all times when using the app. Once you’re set up, you won’t need to open multiple apps or carry other forms of identification to check-in and enter certain venues and events – it will now all be in one place.

For support in setting up the app, visit ServiceWA app: Support.

Monday 7 January – mask-wearing requirements updated

Indoor masks-wearing requirements will ease from 6pm tonight, Friday 7 January 2022. 

Masks continue to be required in vulnerable settings, including: 

  • hospitals
  • aged and disability care
  • public transport
  • rideshare vehicles

Proof of vaccination requirements are in place for high-risk settings including nightclubs, music festivals, major events, and specific licensed venues with a capacity of 500 or those that trade after midnight.

Monday 3 January – public health and social protocols extended to 7 January 2022

Updated health orders require masks to be worn in indoor settings until 6pm on Friday 7 January 2022 (subject to review and the latest health advice).

Please check the list of exposure sites on the Healthy WA website daily and get tested immediately and isolate if you feel unwell or have visited any of the exposure sites listed.

There are now a large number of exposure sites in the South West, so please check the information carefully if you are returning from that area.

Masks continue to be required:

• At indoor public venues, including in the workplace and on public transport (exemptions apply when undertaking vigorous exercise or for medical reasons)

• At nightclubs, music festivals and other large-scale events

• Outdoors, when you cannot physically distance

• Anyone who has been in Perth and Peel since December 16 and enters another regional area is required to wear a mask as per the requirements in Perth and Peel.

In addition, proof of vaccination will also be required at nightclubs, music festivals, major events and specific licensed venues with a capacity over 500 or those that trade after midnight. Click here for more information about how to provide proof of vaccination.

Monday 3 January – public health and social protocols extended to 7 January 2022

Perth and Peel public health and social protocols have been extended following the detection of new local cases of COVID-19.

The following measures will remain in place until 6am on Tuesday 4 January 2022:

• Masks are mandatory for indoor public venues, including in the workplace and on public transport (exemptions apply when undertaking vigorous exercise or for medical reasons)

• Mask-wearing is recommended for large outdoor public events, when you cannot physically distance

• Anyone who has been in Perth and Peel since December 16 and enters another regional area is required to wear a mask as per the requirements in Perth and Peel

• Seated food and beverage consumption only for all licensed venues and events

• Music festivals and certain high-risk music events remain cancelled, dancing (except for weddings) is banned and nightclubs remained closed

• Travel to remote Aboriginal communities remain restricted.

In addition, proof of vaccination will also be required at the Perth Cup 2022 and masks are mandated in all indoor and outdoor areas at the event.

New potential COVID-19 exposure sites have been identified in Fremantle and the Perth CBD, as well as the Armadale/Thornlie train line between Perth and Burswood.

Please continue to check the most up-to-date list of exposure sites on the Healthy WA website and get tested if you have symptoms or have visited an exposure site. Please ensure you follow the relevant testing and quarantine instructions.

Click here to find your nearest COVID testing clinic.

Thursday 23 December – Public health and social protocols in place following local case of COVID-19

Following the detection of a new local case of COVID-19 in WA, a number of new potential exposure sites have been identified. For a full list of the exposure sites, visit the Healthy WA website.

If you have been to one of the identified exposure sites during the timeframe listed, please get tested and remain isolated, ensuring you follow the WA Government testing and quarantine instructions.

From 6pm tonight (23 December) until 6am on Tuesday 28 December, the following public health and social measures apply:

Masks must be worn at all public indoor settings including:

– aged and disability care (including Uniting homes)
– hospitals
– hospitality venues
– retail venues
– public transport.

Masks are also recommended to be worn outside when it is not possible to physically distance.

Anyone who has been in Perth-Peel region since 16 December and has entered another regional area will also be required to wear masks in these settings.

Certain high-risk large scale events will be cancelled and nightclubs will be closed. Dancing is banned except for weddings.

Sunday 17 December 2021 – Uniting team prepared for WA border re-opening

All Uniting WA facilities and team members are prepared for the implementation of the WA Government’s transition plan, which comes into effect when the WA border opens at 12:01am on Saturday 5 February 2022.

Central to our preparedness is our team. In compliance with the WA Government’s Community Care Services Worker (Restrictions on Access) Directions, all Uniting team members will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by 31 December 2021 and are being encouraged to have their booster shots to minimise the chances of our Participants, other service users and team members being exposed to the virus.

While it is inevitable that COVID-19 will enter WA, we have maintained sufficient stocks of PPE for use across all of our facilities so that we can continue to deliver services as normal. Each of our homes are equipped with PPE Emergency Response Kits, supported by response procedures and training.

As with previous outbreaks, we will follow public health directives as they are announced. At all times, the safety and well-being of Participants and team members will be our top priority.

When it’s introduced on 5 February 2022, the WA Government Transition Plan includes requirements to:

• Wear a mask in certain venues and settings
(including when visiting a family member or loved one in a Uniting WA facility or home)

• Provide proof of being double dose vaccinated against COVID-19 when entering certain businesses, venues and large events

• Check in using the SafeWA app or a manual contact register.

As always, should you or anyone accompanying you when visiting a Participant have any symptoms of a cold or flu, you should be tested for COVID-19 and stay at home until you receive a negative result.

If you have any questions about visiting a relative or loved one in a Uniting home, please speak with your Uniting Service Lead.

As we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic, Uniting remains focused on ensuring the safety of our team, the people we support and the community.

Our response to the pandemic is informed by public health advice and our Pandemic Response Team. We’ll keep people informed of our actions and decisions for the duration of the pandemic.

During lockdown periods, we’ll minimise non-critical face-to-face services and work remotely wherever possible.

Critical face-to-face services continuing with improved safety:

• Tranby Engagement Hub and Homelessness services, including outreach
• Family Group Homes
• My Home / supported accommodation
• Welfare checks on participants.

Additional precautions and safety measures:

• Careful return to usual workplaces and support services after lockdowns
• Observing strict hygiene practices and social distancing
• Minimising teams working across different services
• Minimising visitor and community access to services and offices where appropriate.

We will keep you informed

We’ll continue to review our response to the pandemic and provide regular updates to our team, our volunteers, the people we support and their families.

Please contact your support worker if you have a question or concern.

You can also contact us at hello@unitingwa.org.au or phone 1300 663 298. 

For up to date information, we recommend you regularly visit the following websites:

WA Department of Health
Australian Department of Health

If you have any questions, please contact us on hello@unitingwa.org.au or call 1300 663 298.