Tom Price Primary School first school in North West to report a COVID case

A primary school in the town of Tom Price has become the first school in the North West to report a COVID-19 positive case.

The student from Tom Price Primary School attended the Year 5/6 class in room 15 on February 7 and 8 while infectious.

In a letter to parents, the school revealed all students and staff who were in the class at the same time have been identified as close contacts by the Department of Health.

They have been told to get tested immediately and quarantine until they receive a negative PCR test result.

Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White said the Shire was aware of the emerging case and commended the school for their timely response and clear communication with those impacted.

“We are encouraging all members of the Tom Price community to ensure they continue to practice good hygiene measures and physical distancing at this time in an effort to slow the spread of the virus,” she said.

“As an organisation we have introduced the wearing of masks for all indoor workers and have limited staff movement between our other towns other than for essential work purposes to ensure we continue to provide a safe and healthy workplace and with the safety of the community in mind.

“We encourage anyone who is unwell to stay home and if you have symptoms to get tested and isolate until a negative result.”

It comes as the State recorded a big spike in locally acquired COVID cases, with 115 infections announced on Wednesday.

It is nearly double the previous record for daily cases – 62 – on Monday.

The three-day rolling average of new local cases in WA has also doubled from 38 on Saturday to 75.

Just 13 new cases were diagnosed in travellers from interstate and overseas as the pace of community transmission continues to accelerate.

About 8000 people presented for PCR testing at COVID clinics on Tuesday, while just four of the new cases were self-reported after positive rapid tests.

Two new exposure sites were recorded on Wednesday, with a Tom Price supermarket and a Newman pub added to the growing list.