Two COVID-19 cases confirmed in Great Southern as WA records third day of more than 1000 local cases

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Great Southern as WA’s new local case numbers topped 1000 for the third day in a row.

WA Health confirmed on Sunday two people in the Great Southern were among 1021 new local cases of COVID-19 recorded across WA as of 8pm on Saturday.

It comes after three cases were confirmed in the Great Southern on Saturday amid a record-breaking day of 1098 new local cases statewide.

Despite five positive cases confirmed in the Great Southern this weekend, no exposure sites were listed in the region on the Healthy WA website as of 1pm on Sunday.

The cases come after Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre was reopened on Friday morning after a suspected COVID-19 case triggered a deep clean of the centre.

ALAC was packed with people about 7pm on Wednesday night when patrons were asked to leave because of a suspected COVID positive case.

The Advertiser understands a male basketball player who visited the centre on Monday and Tuesday had tested positive for the virus.

People who played with or against the basketball player have reportedly been advised to isolate and get tested.

The Albany Basketball Association released a statement on Wednesday night which included times and locations.

The ABA said the COVID positive player was involved a game from 7pm on Monday, February 21 on court six.

That fixture was a Year 11/12 division one clash between Infernos and Sonics.

The ABA said the COVID positive player was also involved in a game that started at 6pm on Tuesday, February 22 on court six.

That fixture was a men’s A-grade game between Ambassadors and Barking Owls.

“A positive COVID-19 case has been identified by a player in the Albany competition,” the ABA said.

“All players involved in these games may be deemed a close contact and should follow State Government guidelines and procedures immediately.

“We have been advised that coaches and managers are not deemed close contacts as they were wearing masks.

“We have also been advised that referees are not deemed close contacts.”

On Thursday afternoon, the City of Albany — which manages ALAC — said the centre would reopen on Friday.

“Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre has undergone a comprehensive clean today following notification from Albany Basketball Association last night that a player had returned a positive COVID test,” the City said on Facebook.

“ALAC was closed and cleaned today as a precaution and will return to normal operations and reopen at 5.45am tomorrow, Friday, February 25.”

Exposure sites will be updated on the Healthy WA website.