New Zealand

New Covid-19 cases in Perth: New Zealand 'temporarily' pauses flights from WA

06:56 am on 2 May 2021

Flights between Western Australia and New Zealand have been paused once again, after another Covid-19 outbreak linked to a Perth quarantine hotel.

Air New Zealand's flight due to leave Perth late last night was cancelled. (file pic) Photo: AFP

A hotel security guard has tested positive, and had been out in Perth's inner-northern suburbs for several days while potentially infectious.

Two people he lives with have since contracted the virus.

Late last night, New Zealand's Health Ministry ordered all direct flights from Western Australia to be immediately paused, and will await further advice from Australian officials.

Ministry officials "have conducted a rapid public health assessment for New Zealand", a statement said, and concluded that flights should be "temporarily paused".

Air New Zealand's flight due to leave Perth late last night was cancelled.

Anyone who has arrived from Perth in recent days is being asked to check locations of interest of the latest cases, and monitor their health.

Anyone who had been at the locations of interest should self-isolate immediately and call Healthline for further advice.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said the man, who has had his first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, worked on the same floor as two other positive cases staying in hotel quarantine.

The latest outbreak comes less than a week since the city emerged from a snap three-day lockdown.

McGowan said a full lockdown of the city was not required at this stage but a decision could be made today.

"We're effectively in a holding pattern and I hope we can avoid going back into lockdown.

"But if we need to, that is what we'll do."

The three new cases have been moved to hotel quarantine.

RNZ / ABC