Manjimup Shire president Paul Omodei urges calm amid South West COVID-19 cases

Manjimup Shire president Paul Omodei has urged the community to follow mandates and get jabbed immediately amid the South West’s first COVID-19 cases in nearly two years. Cr Omodei said it was crucial residents adhered to the latest State Government rules requiring proof of vaccine at a majority of indoor venues and large outdoor events so the Shire could be in the best possible position for any potential spread of cases through the region. He said although there would still be confusion around policing the mandates as the State moved forward, it was important for people to try their best to play by the rules for the betterment of everyone. “I would urge people to try and get their triple vaccination as soon as they can and then we will have to just work around the mandates that the State Government has put in place,” he said. Cr Omodei said although there was a chance Covid could spread further afield than Bunbury, by taking the necessary steps Manjimup Shire residents would be in a better position to stem case numbers. “I think we have just got to try and be vigilant and keep it out of our district,” he said. “If we can keep it out of the lower South West, I know we had the exposure site at Karri Valley and I think to some extent that was a wake-up call for everybody that we are not immune from spread and it will not take very much. “We are just going to have to stick with it as long as we can and of course if you are vaccinated and you have had your triple shots then you are going to be in a much safer position if and when (Covid) does spread.” Cr Omodei said 2022 would be a challenging year not only for Manjimup but WA as a whole and by getting vaccinated you were helping those around you as much as yourself. “We have got winter coming up, we have a flu season coming on and we have Covid coming and the more we can combat it and keep the community safe, particularly the people who are vulnerable, we just got to do our very best,” he said. “It is for your own sake but if you are (vaccinated) then you are helping other people to be safer.” As of January 31 it is mandatory within Western Australia to show proof of vaccination before entering pubs, cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, cinemas, gyms, bottle shops and music festivals or indoor events with more than 500 people. While the mandatory indoor mask mandate has applied to the Perth, Peel and South West region since January 17, it was extended on January 27 to the Great Southern and the Wheatbelt region.