As COVID-19 begins spreading through the Kimberley, residents are already feeling disruptions to their way of life, from dance parties to community sport.
As of Sunday, more than 50 cases have been recorded in the West Kimberley, mostly in the state's largest community Bidyadanga.
The outbreaks marked the first community transmission in the region since the pandemic started, and while the virus's arrival was expected, its impacts are far-reaching.
COVID dealt a major blow at the weekend to thousands of people who planned to attend Broome Pride festival, with organisers postponing larger events including the cabaret and dance party.
Event president Lucy Falcocchio said it was a tough decision given the festival had already enforced a 75 per cent density limit for events expected to draw large crowds.
"We were looking at 3,000 people at the dance party … the last thing we ever want to be part of is anything that could harm the community," she said.
She said some of the smaller events would proceed but organisers would be guided by rising case numbers.
"We'll assess these things day by day. I don't have a crystal ball. I don't know what tomorrow brings. However if things change, we too will change."
Community cracks down on visitors
About 200 kilometres north of Broome, Djarindjin has moved quickly to further restrict entry requirements as Indigenous communities across the Kimberley weigh up similar moves.
Six-month permits have been revoked, meaning visitors such as family members and contractors will have to reapply to enter on a case-by-case basis.
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Nathan McIvor urged people to respect the rules.
About 400 people live in Djarindjin and 97 per cent are double vaccinated.
While high vaccination rates have shown to prevent hospitalisations in remote communities, Mr McIvor said residents supported a cautious approach.
"Will we stop COVID from coming in? Probably not ... but at least we have the measures in place."
COVID-19 puts footy season under a cloud
Football in the Kimberley is a huge part of life, but the spread of COVID-19 has cast a shadow over the upcoming season.
Warmun, like most Indigenous communities, was closed last year, but an exemption allowed teams to travel into the community to play football.
Last week the community decided not to continue with that arrangement, prompting the Warmun Eagles to withdraw from the 2022 East Kimberley Football League season.
League president Wayne Paul said the competition supported the move.
"The league has got no issues with that. It's good to see them taking their health and security responsibly," he said.
He said the league still planned for the season to go ahead but acknowledged challenges loomed.
"No reason why we can't have a season. There's no government mandates that say we can't play sport.
"Biggest issue will be teams will lose players with COVID because they will have to drop out and isolate."
