ValleyView Residence has become the first facility in the state to close its doors in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The local aged care facility has announced a shutdown meaning only immediate family members and essential staff will be permitted into the facility in a bid to protect its vulnerable residents.
Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a new strain of virus that was first seen in humans earlier this year and has rapidly spread across the globe.
Valleyview executive Manager Joy Halleron said the board made a unanimous decision today to begin the process of shutting the facility down and informing the community.
"Basically what this means is only essential people can visit ValleyView Residence," she said.
"So next of kin and essential stakeholders, for example our medical professionals such as the dietitian and podiatrist.
"Respectfully too, if we have residents who are very ill of course we're going to allow family members to come in but we ask them to maintain hand hygiene and not come if they're unwell or have been oversees.'
Western Australia currently has recorded nine cases of the virus, with one death. No new cases have been recorded in the South West at the time of print.
Ms Halleron said the aged care facility was taking direction from the WA Department of Health and were in contact with them on a daily basis as the situation developes.
"We want to be seen as really proactive and protecting our frail and elderly resident of Collie," she said.
"We don't know how long we'll keep the doors closed, but until this genuine threat level subsides we need to keep the health of our residents our top priority."
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, tiredness and a dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and diarrhea.
According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organisation, 80 per cent of people recover from the virus without needing special treatment with older people and those with underlying medical problems are more likely to develop serious illness.
To find out more information on how ValleyView Residence will work towards keeping staff and residents safe as well as how you can protect yourself from coronavirus, pick up next week's edition of the Collie Mail.