COVID-19 (coronavirus)

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) – a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. The virus can cause mild to serious illness, and even death.

• COVID-19 is a notifiable disease under Part 9 of the Public Health Act 2016 (external site). For more information, see the notifiable diseases page for COVID-19.
• Data : See the COVID-19 surveillance reports for de-identified summary information on notifications, hospitalisations and wastewater surveillance.
• Testing : The WA Department of Health no longer requires registration of positive RAT results. A GP/doctor's referral is now required for COVID-19 PCR testing throughout WA.
• Vaccines : See COVID-19 immunisation for the latest advice and updates about COVID-19 vaccines.
• Infection prevention and control: See the Infection Prevention, Policy and Surveillance Unit IPPSU tools and resources page or Infection prevention and control in residential aged care facilities for information and resources.
• Community : For community COVID-19 information and advice, visit the HealthWA pages about COVID-19 (coronavirus) or the COVID19 vaccine (HealthyWA).