Great Southern virus-free, but Premier says there’s still work to do

There are no active confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Great Southern.

Health Minister Roger Cook revealed yesterday that all nine of the region’s confirmed cases had officially been classified as “recovered”.

The good news for the Great Southern came moments after Premier Mark McGowan announced WA had recorded no new confirmed cases in the previous 24 hours.

It was the first time since February 21 that the State had not recorded a new case.

“WA has done an incredible job but we can’t let it go to waste now. We need everyone to stay the course,” Mr McGowan said.

“I know it is easy to think that we have succeeded and we can just get back to normal, but we need to continue to be very cautious.

“We cannot get complacent over coming weeks. We will continue to monitor the situation and assess if and when the restrictions — some restrictions — can be eased.”

The Great Southern was one of four regions which were free of confirmed cases as of last night, along with the Mid West, the Pilbara and the South West.

The Goldfields had six active cases, the Kimberley also had six and the Wheatbelt had two.

Mr Cook said WA should be proud of its achievements in flattening the curve.

“I wish to thank all families that missed celebrating Easter together, to the kids whose birthday parties were cancelled — replaced with online gatherings — and special thanks to our elderly, many of whom have stayed at home in isolation to protect themselves and others,” he said.

“I know it is tough and I know it can be lonely but we are winning this battle together.”