Coronavirus (COVID-19)

General information

• What are coronaviruses?
• What is the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
• How is COVID-19 spread?
• Who is most at risk of COVID-19?

Testing

• Should I be tested if I don't have symptoms?
• Why won't I get tested if I don't have symptoms?
• Who can be tested?
• Where can I be tested?
• How do I get medical clearance for work?

Treatment

• What is the treatment for COVID-19?
• Is there a vaccine?
• How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
• What if I don't have Medicare cover?

Self-isolation

• What does self-isolation mean?
• Do I need to self-isolate?
• What should I do if I come into contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection?
• What should I do if I need to self-isolate in a hotel (non mandatory)?
• I am in self-isolation in a hotel. Can I move around the hotel?
• I am caring for someone who has (or could have) COVID-19, how can I protect myself?
• Can employees return to work if their family members are in a 14 day self-isolation?

Travel

• Can I still come into Western Australia?
• Do I need to self-isolate if I am travelling to Western Australia from another state?
• Do I need to self-isolate if I am arriving from overseas?
• Can I still travel in WA?

Protect yourself and others

• How do I practise good hygiene?
• Should I wear a face mask?
• What is social distancing?
• Are public gatherings still allowed?

Other

• Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick?
• Can domestic animals infect people with COVID-19?

​View the coronavirus FAQ's (PDF 237KB)

Every Western Australian needs to play their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.

To stop the spread of coronavirus, everyone must:

• practise good hygiene
• practise physical distancing
• know the limits for public gatherings
• understand how to self-isolate if you need to.

How do I practise good hygiene?

• Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water or an alcohol based sanitiser.
• Cover covers and sneezes with a tissue or use your inner elbow. Throw the tissue in the bin immediately.
• Stay home if you're sick. Do not go to work or school.
• Clean surfaces and objects such as doorknobs, keyboards and phones regularly.

What is physical distancing?

• Keeping at least 1.5 metres or two arms lengths (minimum) away from others.
• Avoiding physical greetings such as handshaking, hugs and kisses.
• Using tap and pay instead of cash.
• Avoid large public gatherings.

For more information about how to practise physical distancing at home, work, school or keeping in touch with others, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website (external site).

Are public gatherings still allowed?

Current restrictions now limit both indoor and outdoor gatherings to twenty people. View WA.gov advice on public gatherings for coronavirus (COVID-19) (external site).

Self-isolation

Please see the self isolation drop-down menu on this page.

Should I wear a face mask?

WA Health does not recommend the use of facemasks for the general public to prevent the risk of contracting COVID-19. Home-made face masks sewn from fabric provide inadequate protection against COVID-19

• Fact sheet for the community on when and how to use a face mask (PDF 376KB) *updated 4 April

Coronavirus can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Affected people may experience:

• fever
• flu like symptoms such as coughing and sore throat
• difficulty breathing.

All people are at risk of infection, but some groups are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. These groups include:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions
• People 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions. See this page on the Department of Health website for more information
• People 70 years and older
• People with compromised immune systems.

Any person will be considered for testing if they meet the following criteria and another diagnosis is not more likely:

• presenting with a fever (≥37.5°C)
• a recent history of a fever (e.g. night sweats, chills) OR
• an acute respiratory infection e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat.

DETECT snapshot

To get a better understanding of any COVID-19 that may be in the community, we’re inviting people who show no symptoms of the virus from selected identified groups to come forward for free, voluntary testing. Check if you are eligible and find out more about asymptomatic testing program.

COVID clinics

COVID clinics are open across the Perth metropolitan and regional areas. 

People seeking testing in regional areas, where there isn’t a COVID clinic should go to a public hospital, health service or remote health clinic. Make sure you phone ahead to advise of your symptoms. 

Private pathology collection centres

Patients with a GP referral can now be tested for COVID-19 at select private pathology collection centres.

Find a COVID clinic or private pathology collection centre near you

Self-isolation is essential for protecting your family, friends and the Western Australian community.

There are a number of situations in which people may be required to self-isolate. People who do not comply face a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for body corporates. 

More information is available at WA.gov.au (external site)

You must self-isolate:

• if you have tested positive for COVID-19: you must self-isolate in your home (or other suitable accommodation) until you have been told you can be released from isolation.
• if you have been tested for COVID-19: you must isolate yourself in your home (or other suitable accommodation) while you are waiting for your result.
• if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19: you must isolate yourself in your home (or other suitable accommodation) for 14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case.
• if you arrived into Western Australia from interstate by air, sea, rail or road in the last 14 days: you must self-isolate in your home (or other suitable accommodation) for 14 days from the date of arrival (some exemptions may apply).
• if you have returned from overseas in the last 14 days, you will be subject to mandatory self-isolation for 14 days at your first Australian destination. Suitable accommodation will be made available. You will not be permitted to return home or transit to another state until your 14 day self-isolation period is completed.

Self-isolation in Western Australia for returned travellers and close contacts (PDF 225KB)

COVID-19 Self-isolation information for confirmed cases (PDF 157KB)

Self-isolation

Self-isolation means you must stay in your home, hotel room, or other accommodation even if you are perfectly well with no symptoms. If you live in a unit or apartment block you must stay in your unit or apartment. You cannot attend public places such as work, school, shopping centres or go on a holiday. Only people who usually live with you should be in the home. Do not see visitors.

You must stay in your place of isolation and NOT GO OUT, except to seek medical care. You should call ahead for advice.

If you require urgent medical assistance call 000 and let them know that you are in self-isolation due to COVID-19.

What does this mean for your family or other people you live with?

Other people who live in your home do not need to self-isolate and can go about their usual activities provided the above precautions are followed. However, if you develop symptoms and become a confirmed COVID-19 case your family may need to self-isolate. Your Public Health Unit will advise you.

Medical certificates are not required for people who need to self-isolate.

Medical and welfare assistance for people in isolation

• If you need welfare assistance phone Department of Communities on 1800 032 965
• If you need emergency dental assistance phone 0429 441 162
• If you need mental health assistance phone Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• If you need emergency medical assistance phone 000
• For other medical assistance contact your General Practitioner (GP).  If your GP is not able to assist, contact an after-hours GP telehealth service.

View contact details for after-hours GP telehealth services (PDF 308KB)

COVID-19 has affected our routines and way of life, which can have an impact on our health and wellbeing.

It's important to look after your health while adapting to changes brought about by COVID-19.

Mental health

Being concerned about coronavirus (COVID-19) is a normal reaction. But, too much worrying can affect both our mental and our physical health.

Some ways to stay mentally healthy:

• stay informed with the right information (either the WA Department of Health (external site) or Australian Government Department of Health (external site))
• stay connected with family and friends via phone, social media or digital tools
• maintain healthy routines
• access support.

Read more about mental health.

More information on support, resources and how to access services:

• Mental Health Commission WA (external site)
• Mental health and COVID-19 in WA (external site)
• Head to Health COVID-19 support Australian Government (external site).

Nutrition

See healthy recipes or for tips on healthy eating and more recipes visit LiveLighter (external site).

To learn about nutrition and cooking skills visit Foodbank (external site).

Physical activity

Being physically active is vital for health and wellbeing regardless of age. Read our tips to get you moving.

The LiveLighter website (external site) also has lots of useful information and resources on keeping active while staying at home.

Smoking

Smoking can put you at greater risk of getting chest infections and influenza, and emerging evidence suggests that smoking can be a significant risk factor for more severe symptoms of COVID-19.

To learn more about smoking and COVID-19 visit the Make Smoking History (external site). If you’re thinking of quitting, visit WA Quitline (external site).

Read our facts about giving up smoking, getting ready to quit or helping others to quit.

Alcohol use

With the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, it is a stressful time for many people with many aspects of our daily lives changing rapidly. Some of us may turn to alcohol for short-term stress relief or because of boredom, but rather than helping us cope, alcohol can make us feel more stressed and anxious.

For tips on reducing your drinking at home, visit Alcohol Think Again (external site).

Injury prevention

COVID-19 has caused many of us to make changes to our daily routines, and this can change our risk of injury.

Most injuries happen in and around the home, so take practical measures to make sure your home is safe for children and that your water recreation is safe.

For more information visit Kidsafe (external site) and the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia (external site).

It's also important for older adults know how to prevent falls. Find out more at Stay On Your Feet®.

The Department of Health is contacting all confirmed cases to identify and inform close contacts.

Learn more about the locations visited by confirmed cases.