COVID-19: Anzac Day events cancelled as Perth begins three-day lockdown

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan suggests residents take part in a driveway dawn service. Photo credit: Getty

Anzac Day services across Perth have been cancelled after the city snapped into a three-day lockdown midnight Friday (local time).

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan made the announcement after a Melbourne man spent five days in the city while potentially infectious with COVID-19.

Premier McGowan urged people to take part in the "driveway dawn service" instead.

"I encourage everyone to take part in the driveway dawn service again this year, and I will do that again," he said on Friday.

"We will monitor this very closely here and continue to assess the situation as more information comes to light."

Trans-Tasman bubble protocols

As a response to Perth's three-day lockdown, travel between New Zealand and Western Australia has been paused.

A flight due to leave from Perth to New Zealand on Saturday night will not take off following Western Australia's decision.

New Zealanders in Western Australia are asked to follow the advice of Western Australian authorities until further notice.

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says this is an example of the type of scenario both countries have planned for.

Man was infectious for five days 

The 54-year-old arrived in Perth from Shanghai, China on April 3 and left hotel quarantine on April 17 after testing negative on day 12.

He spent five days in Perth before returning to Melbourne on April 21.

The man stayed with a close contact in the Perth suburb of Kardinya - a woman with two children - who has now also tested positive.

He flew back to Melbourne on April 21, travelling on Qantas flight QF778 with 257 passengers on board.

Those passengers are all self-isolating and being tested in Victoria.

Lockdown restrictions

Over the Anzac Day weekend, residents of Perth and Peel may only leave their homes for one of four reasons.  

  • work
  • essential shopping
  • healthcare
  • exercise

Pubs, clubs, bars, gyms, cinemas, entertainment venues, libraries and outdoor recreational facilities will be shut down.

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