Coronavirus daily update – 21 January

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Friday

1. The planned reopening of Western Australia’s border to the rest of the country on 5 February will be delayed indefinitely, Premier Mark McGowan has announced.
2. A new hard border will be introduced from Saturday 5 February, 2022, to allow for more safe, compassionate travel into WA and the return of Western Australians. Based on health advice, WA’s Safe Transition Plan has been updated in response to serious concerns around the impacts of the Omicron variant.
3. There are new guidelines for all interstate and international travellers
4. WA Tourism Council chief executive Evan Hall said the announcement was devastating news for the tourism industry stating tourism operators in WA would lose their homes and businesses. He stated many businesses relied on international and interstate guests.
5. There are currently 79 confirmed active cases in WA. Of these, 23 are in hotel quarantine, 56 are in self-quarantine. No cases are currently in hospital.

The Institute for Respiratory Health has been researching lung diseases for over 20 years. It’s what finds cures and treatments and changes people’s lives for the better.