Western Australian regions of Perth and Peel have entered a four-day lockdown, after the Western Australian's circuit-breaker lockdown took effect from 12.01am this morning.
The lockdown was introduced as the state recorded its third positive COVID-19 case of the highly infectious Delta variant, which is linked to the Sydney outbreak.
The stay-at-home order permits WA residents four reasons to leave home: work that cannot be done from home, shopping for essentials, attending medical appointments or getting a COVID vaccine or compassionate care, and exercise for one-hour 5kms from home.
Only essential retailers such as supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware and petrol are allowed to remain open during the lockdown period.
Unless exempt, people in Perth and Peel are required to wear masks outside of the home, at all indoor settings, on public transport, and outdoors at all times unless for vigorous exercise or travelling in a private vehicle with members of a household.
Speaking on the lockdown, WA Premier Mark McGowan said that while lockdowns are difficult, the snap response should help the state get on top of the outbreak.
"We now know we are dealing with the highly infectious and dangerous Delta strain, which is a new beast that has entered WA.
"Escalating to an immediate lockdown will help us break the circuit and give contact tracers an opportunity to track and trace so we can get on top of this situation sooner.
"I acknowledge lockdowns are frustrating but they are a necessary response to the threat we face.
"I am asking everyone to please do the right thing here and follow the health advice and instructions we are putting in place.
"Western Australia, you have done it before, you have listened to the health advice and come together to keep each other safe, and to keep our state strong. Now it's time to do it again," he said.
The Perth and Peel lockdown is set to lift on 12.01am, Saturday 03 July.
Meanwhile, the NT Government has also extended its original 48-hour lockdown by an additional 72-hours to 1pm Friday 02 July.
Residents in the Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield Council areas, and Wagait and Belyuen Shires are only allowed to leave home for five reasons; to receive health care/attend medical appointments including COVID vaccine appointments; to undertake essential shopping; to exercise for one-hour 5km from home; to undertake essential work; and, emergency reasons (such as fleeing domestic violence) or providing compassionate care.
Non-essentials retailers will have to remain closed and masks must be worn while undertaking permitted activities.
Support numbers and resources available below:
Mental health support:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue's NewAccess free mental health service for small business owners: 1300 22 4636
Business Support:
National Retail Association: 1800 RETAIL (738 245)
Australian Retailer's Association: 1300 368 041
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman: 1300 650 460