The number of new cases in Western Australia continues to be very encouraging, and shows that the measures we have taken so far are starting to have a positive impact.

But we cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal.

The health pandemic is here in Western Australia, and unfortunately it won’t be leaving any time soon.

But if we follow the advice, abide by the new rules and practice good social distancing, we can take a different direction to the rest of the country and the rest of the world.

Western Australia is in a unique position - our isolation is now our best defence. We must use it to our advantage.

That’s why we have taken the unprecedented steps of introducing regional boundaries and brought in tough measures to restrict movement and social interaction.

But as the situation continues to evolve around the world and across Australia, we need to take further steps to protect our State.

We currently have restrictions in place for people coming into WA, and requiring 14 days of self-isolation - and those restrictions are working.

But it makes sense that we go further now, and close Western Australia's border.

Based on the medical advice, we will move to introduce a hard border closure effective from midnight, or 11.59pm, on Sunday night.

I want the message to be absolutely clear to any Western Australian over east. If you need to get home to WA – come home immediately.

If you are an eastern-stater, and thinking about visiting WA – forget about it.

The quicker we can get through this, the sooner we can get back to normal.

In effect, this decision will be turning Western Australia into its own island - our own country.

These are drastic steps, but also sensible and workable - they will give us the best chance of combating the virus and minimising the spread throughout our community.

A number of specific exemptions will be implemented to ensure our State can continue to operate and function.

The exemptions are currently being finalised, but they will include:
- Health services
- Emergency service workers
- Transport, freight and logistics
- Specialists skills, not available in WA,
- National or State security and governance, and
- Courts and judicial services;

There will also be exemptions for FIFO workers and their families, however strict 14-day self-isolation measures will need to be followed, when they first enter the State.

Further exemptions will also apply on specific compassionate grounds.

We are living in extraordinary times.

It is like something we have all never experienced before.

But I am just so proud of the WA response.

The wider WA community have responded to this with true Western Australian spirit.

Everyone knows that we are in this together – and for that, I know, we will get through this.

If you had asked me a couple months ago that we would be closing the WA border, I would have laughed.

But, unfortunately, this is no laughing matter.

This is serious.

We are serious.