Western Australia has recorded one new local case of COVID-19, and public health restrictions in the state have been extended into the new year.
The new infection is a woman in her 20s, a close contact of the existing outbreak who has been in hotel quarantine for her entire infectious period.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said health authorities are still seeking 86 close contacts of the outbreak who are yet to be tested, warning that the number of people either untested or still waiting for results means the state is not in the clear yet.
READ MORE: Sydney lab told almost 1000 more people they were COVID-19 negative
"We are not out of the woods yet," Mr McGowan said.
"So far, we have limited the spread. And now we are in reach of possibly being able to kill off this outbreak.
"However, based on the number of close contacts associated with the recent outbreak who are still waiting on test results, and the concerning nature of the outbreak amongst the Perth backpacker community, we are not out of the woods just yet."
As such, Mr McGowan announced that the current public health restrictions — the cancellation of large music festivals and high-risk events, mandatory mask-wearing at indoor public venues, no dancing at public venues except for weddings, and licenced venues required to only offer seated service — have been extended until 6am on Tuesday, January 4.
"This gives us the best chance to potentially eliminate this outbreak in our community and ensure we can continue to have a relatively normal and safe holiday period," he said.
The extension means New Year's Eve celebrations will be impacted by health restrictions.
"Some New Year's celebrations will look different," Mr McGowan said.
"But for most West Australians, we'll be able to safely bring in the new year with our friends and family. For some of the larger outdoor public events like community fireworks, we're continuing to recommend that people wear masks when they cannot physically distance."
READ MORE: Lives at risk as WA bushfires burn fiercely in hot, windy conditions
Attendees at the Perth Cup racing meet on New Year's Day at Ascot will be required to wear a mask, and will be the first event in Perth to require proof of vaccination upon entry.
WA's proof of vaccination app, however, will not be available until later in January.
