Crowds have flocked to Western Australia's biggest surfing event in the Margaret River, as COVID-19 cases climb to almost 3,000 in the popular tourist region.
The South West hit a record 648 new COVID cases on Thursday, more than 12 per cent higher than numbers reported by the Department of Health a week ago.
Today, another 569 people were reported to have the virus, bringing the total number of active cases in the region to 2,948.
It has come on the back of two long weekends, a major music festival that drew thousands to the region and as COVID restrictions ease in the state.
The ABC understands a number of people who attended the Out of the Woods music festival in Busselton last weekend are now in isolation.
Despite this, hundreds of people have gathered to watch the Margaret River Pro, which attracts some of the world's best surfers including American Kelly Slater and Australia's own Stephanie Gilmore.
Shire of Augusta-Margaret River President Paula Cristoffanini said a growth in COVID case numbers was expected, but the community, including its health care system, was prepared.
"We've been preparing our community, we've been giving information out on how to look after yourself.
"A lot of our community is vaccinated, a lot of our community's had boosters, so there shouldn't be that kind of need to access the hospital system, but if we do, we are in very good shape."
Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane said the priority for organisers had been keeping staff safe while COVID was in the community.
"A lot of us, including myself, have been put up in individual accommodation," he said.
"There's the compulsory hand sanitising, we're asking for all workers to be wearing masks while they're inside, we're keeping insides of tents well ventilated.
'If you want to, wear a mask'
A WA health spokesperson said the virus was spreading across the state and contact-tracing efforts would be focused on more high-risk settings like residential aged care and hospitals.
"We continue to remind West Australians to follow the latest health advice to protect themselves, family, friends and communities — and to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they are due," the spokesperson said.
"We advise anyone who has COVID-like symptoms to get tested."
With public health mandates lifted and events re-emerging, more unmasked and unvaccinated people are expected to mingle with the wider public.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said while he had not had any information about the spread of the virus at the Out of the Woods festival, people could still mask up if they were worried.
"I just urge people if you're concerned about the events or the places you might be going you can still wear a mask," Mr McGowan said.
Jaya Dantas from Curtin University, a researcher in global population health, said people should not be anxious or worried.
When looking at COVID case numbers, Professor Dantas said it was important to consider the level of severity and how many were ending up in hospital or ICU.
"When we have gatherings, events, sports events, music festivals, you are going to see a slight surge in cases. It's just inevitable with a viral pandemic," she said.
"If you're double or triple vaccinated, you may get COVID but your ability to have a severe infection is much, much lower."
Professor Dantas said people should practice common sense and consider their own risk.
"People should not be worried, they should use a cautious and sensible approach, but they have to get on with normalcy now.
