The State Government has removed capacity limits on WA venues and events, while reintroducing a hard border with NSW in light of its escalating COVID-19 outbreak.

On Wednesday (June 23) WA transitioned to phase five COVID-19 restrictions, with the two-square-metre rule and 75 per cent capacity limit rules for venues removed, and caps on event numbers removed.

Premier Mark McGowan told media the government was “confident in doing this because we know people do the right thing when necessary”.

He reminded people to stay vigilant despite WA easing restrictions.

“What should not be lost on any of us is this virus is insidious and we cannot be complacent,” he said.

Businesses will still be required to use contact tracing registers and follow good hygiene standards and COVID-safe principles.

The relaxed restrictions will come into effect from 12.01am, June 23.

NSW hard border

Premier McGowan also reimposed a hard border between WA and NSW after the Eastern State’s COVID-19 cluster grew to more than 30 cases.

Travel from NSW to WA is no longer permitted, except for exempt travellers. These include senior government officials, military personnel and those travelling for compassionate reasons.

The latter category includes Western Australians who have visited NSW and need to return home.

Exempt travellers arriving to WA from 11am June 23 must:

• self-quarantine in a suitable premise for 14 days;
• present for an initial COVID-19 test within 48 hours;
• present for a COVID-19 test if any symptoms develop during quarantine; and
• present for a COVID-19 test on day 11 after arrival in WA (if still in WA).

Anyone who has recently arrived from NSW prior to the hard border should continue to comply with their existing directions provided to them upon entry to the State.

The Bondi cluster of COVID-19 cases in NSW grew to 31 on Wednesday June 23, prompting lockdowns in parts of the State.

CCIWA’s COVID-19 site has up-to-date information about the pandemic’s impacts on WA business.