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 should I do if I come into contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection?
• What does self-isolation mean?
• Do I need to self-isolate?
• What should I do if I need to self-isolate in a 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

• Do all travellers coming to Western Australia need to self-isolate?
• 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 allowerd?

Other

• Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick?

​View the coronavirus FAQ's (PDF 149KB)

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 social 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 social distancing?

• Minimising all unnecessary contact with others
• 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.

For more information about how to practise social 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 two persons only unless you are all living in the same house.

You should stay home unless you are:

• shopping for what you need – food, takeaway, and necessary supplies
• medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements
• exercise in compliance with the public gathering  requirements
• work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.

View the Australian Government advice on public gatherings for coronavirus (COVID-19) (external site).

Self-isolation

Please the 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, sore throat and headaches
• 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 presenting with BOTH a fever 38°C or above AND an acute respiratory infection (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat) can be tested.

There are now seven COVID clinics open across the metropolitan area and one regional clinic operating at Bunbury Health Campus.

People seeking testing in regional areas should go to a public hospital, health service or remote health clinic. Make sure you phone ahead to advise of your symptoms.

Find a COVID clinic near you

Who should attend?

People who meet the criteria for testing should attend.

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 by air, sea, rail or road from 1:30pm Tuesday 24 March 2020: 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 up until 10:30pm on 28 March 2020: you must self-isolate in your home (or other suitable accommodation) for 14 days after the date of return to Australia.
• if you have returned from overseas on or after 10:30pm 28 March 2020, 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

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.

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 or Australian Government Department of Health)
• stay connected with family and friends via phone, social media or digital tools
• maintain healthy routines
• access support.

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).

See also:

• Mental health.

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

If you become unwell with COVID-19 symptoms you should contact your local Public Health Unit who will assess and advise on what to do next.

Learn more about the locations visited by confirmed cases.