Western Australia has recorded no new coronavirus cases but authorities want to make an example out of a local man who skipped quarantine for a drink at a pub after flying in from Queensland.
The Department of Health confirmed the state has just five active cases including three interstate travellers.
A 53-year-old West Australian man who flew to Perth from Queensland on Friday is set to face court for failing to obey health directions.
Police found him at Hotel Northbridge in the city’s entertainment district when he should have been quarantined in a state-provided hotel.
Bar management voluntarily closed the venue for cleaning on Saturday and police told customers to quarantine and get tested if necessary.
The man tested negative to coronavirus but Acting WA Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Steel delivered a firm message to people who attempt to flout the state’s hard border lockdown.
“People who disregard their quarantine requirement disrespect the community of Western Australia,” Steel said. “You should expect to be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
WA Police allege the man, who returned after a brief visit to family, arrived in Perth without applying to re-enter but was allowed in as he complained of non-COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival.
He was taken to hospital and after receiving treatment was told to wait for transport to hotel quarantine.
But instead, police say he left before his lift arrived and went to Hotel Northbridge after checking in at a nearby backpackers hostel.
He is now in hotel quarantine and will appear in court at a later date.
Earlier this week, WA authorities confirmed the state had gone 135 days without any confirmed community transmission under its strict hard border closures.
One new case was recorded on Monday with a man in his 50s in hotel quarantine testing positive after returning from overseas.
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