Seven chairman given quarantine exemption

Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes and his wife were given an exemption from mandatory hotel quarantine rules on medical grounds, despite WA Premier Mark McGowan stating last month there would be no exemptions.

They returned to Perth on April 8 from the United States on their private jet two weeks ago and self isolated in their Dalkeith home.

The Age reports the exemption was granted by WA Police after advice from the State Health Incident Coordination Centre.

The couple arrived in Perth on April 8 after Stokes had been locked down in Colorado, where he owns a $15 million penthouse close to the Aspen ski fields.

“The exemption also applied to Mr Stokes’ wife who accompanied him and they have been in isolation for two weeks at their home in Perth,” a spokesman said. “Mr and Mrs Stokes strictly followed all the required protocols during that time, as did the air crew.

“Many thousands of Australians have also received exemptions over the last month.”

Under WA-specific quarantine rules the state’s police commissioner can grant exemptions on a case by case basis but evidence, such as a medical certificate, “may be required”.