WA Premier Mark McGowan released the state’s ‘finalised’ plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions, during a press conference Monday.
The Premier gave new details of his ‘Roadmap to Recovery’, announcing that WA will move to ‘Phase 4’ easing of restrictions on Saturday, June 27.
Phase 4
The new freedoms will do away with the Phase 3’s gathering limit of 100 people per single, undivided space, and 300 people per venue. Phase 4 restrictions mean:
- gathering limits will only be determined by WA’s reduced 2sqm capacity rule;
- the 2sqm rule will include staff only at venues that hold more than 500 patrons;
- the removal of seated service requirements at food businesses and licensed premises, meaning patrons can have a drink at the bar again;
- no requirement to maintain patron register at food businesses and licensed premises;
- all events will be permitted except for large scale, multi-stage music festivals;
- unseated performances will be permitted at venues such as concert halls, live music venues, bars and pubs;
- gyms can operate unstaffed, but regular cleaning must be maintained;
- the casino gaming floor can reopen under agreed temporary restrictions; and
- major sport and entertainment venues will be able to operate at up to 50 per cent capacity.
Phase 5
Phase 5, is currently scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 18, depending on health advice. It will see the removal of 2sqm rule, as well as the other Phase 4 restrictions on gatherings.
Businesses that were required to close, but can now reopen, will need to submit a COVID Safety Plan.
Meanwhile, businesses that opened in Phase 2 must update their current COVID Safety Plan according to the new guidelines.
McGowan thanked the WA community for respecting the restrictions and helping to stop the spread of the virus.
“Our state’s handling and response to COVID-19 has been world-leading, and soon we will be able to enjoy the benefits of that response even more.”
Source: ABC News
Phase 6
Phase 6 will be the removal of WA’s hard state border, but the Premier said that date depends on the performance of the eastern states.
With thousands of WA jobs reliant on interstate visitors, CCIWA and the business community has called for the release of the State Government’s formula for reopening borders.
CEO Chris Rodwell says, “whether it’s based on community transmission or tracing and quarantine measures, businesses simply can’t remain in a holding pattern with no real comprehension of when they will be able to reopen.
“This cannot be more art than science.”
For information on returning to work safely, see our Business Toolbox guide.
