City Roundup: Essential Health Advisories and Infrastructure Notices for March 19

Public Health Alert: Measles Advisory

WA Health has issued an active health alert following the identification of multiple measles cases in the Perth metropolitan area this month. As of Thursday, 19 March 2026, the Director of Communicable Disease Control, Dr. Paul Armstrong, advises all residents to remain vigilant for symptoms. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread through airborne droplets. Symptoms typically include fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough, and sore red eyes, followed by a red blotchy rash several days later.

Individuals who have visited public exposure sites listed by WA Health in the previous week are urged to monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days. Those who are not fully vaccinated or were born after 1966 are considered at higher risk. Residents experiencing symptoms should contact their GP or an urgent care clinic in advance to ensure they can be isolated upon arrival, preventing further transmission in waiting rooms.

Major Road Closures and Traffic Impacts

The City of Perth and Main Roads WA have confirmed several significant traffic disruptions effective Thursday, 19 March 2026. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and allow for additional travel time.

• East Perth Cool Roads Program: Temporary road closures are in place across various streets in East Perth to facilitate the application of heat-reducing road seals. These works are scheduled daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Affected residents should follow on-site detours managed by Super Seal contractors.
• Leach Highway Northbound: A major night-time closure will commence at 8:00 pm tonight on the northbound lanes between Leach Highway and Dunreath Drive. This closure is scheduled to wrap up by 4:00 am tomorrow. Heavy vehicles and Restricted Access Vehicles (RAV) should utilize the detours via Roe Highway and Reid Highway.
• Walker Avenue, West Perth: Full road closure remains in effect between 16 and 20 March for essential infrastructure maintenance.
• Queen Street, Perth: Ongoing works continue to impact traffic flow on Queen Street, with restricted access expected to remain in place through late March.
• Broadway, Nedlands: Following overnight streetlight pole replacements by Western Power, Broadway is expected to fully reopen to traffic after 3:00 am this morning.

Environmental and Community Notices

The City of Perth has released updated guidance regarding the protection of the local urban forest against the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB). Residents and local businesses are encouraged to inspect trees on their properties for signs of infestation, such as tiny entry holes or discoloration, and report sightings to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Protecting the city's canopy remains a priority for maintaining public cooling and biodiversity.

Additionally, the City of Wanneroo is hosting the Active Ageing Expo today, 19 March. The event provides a platform for seniors to connect with essential support services and discover local community groups dedicated to health and safety. The expo is open to the public and serves as a key resource for the region's aging population.