WA reopening provides certainty for business

WA’s reopening has been locked in for February 5 next year — providing certainty for businesses after almost two years of border restrictions.

Premier Mark McGowan said WA had today (December 13) reached an 80 per cent double-dose vaccination rate for people aged 12 years and older, with the transition date based on when WA is expected to hit the 90 per cent target rate.

“Today is a momentous day,” he said.

“This is a date that some in the community have been waiting to hear for a long time.”

For more see: CCIWA’s COVID-19 Vaccination Guides & Templates 

Under the Safe Transition Plan, quarantine-free travel will be allowed into WA for fully vaccinated travellers from 12:01am February 5 subject to new testing requirements for international and domestic travellers.

Interim baseline public health and social measures will be applied at the point of transition.

Masks are required to be worn in some high-risk indoor settings including public transport, taxis or ride share services; airports and on flights; and by visitors to hospitals, residential aged care, disability care or custodial corrections facilities.

Proof of vaccination for people 16 years and older will be required at: venues or events with 1000 or more patrons; nightclubs;
the Crown complex; and the four major stadia (Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, HBF Stadium and HBF Park).

For more see here.

The Premier said other businesses may also choose to have proof of vaccination requirements as a condition of entry to protect their staff and patrons. Businesses should consider their individual circumstances and seek their own legal advice before adopting a proof of vaccination requirement, he said.

However, he confirmed the Government “won’t be putting in place lockdowns broadly”, and would only consider a “targeted lockdown” should an outbreak occur at premises such as an aged care facility or school.

Contact registration including the use of SafeWA will be required at all public venues, taxis and rideshare services. The Government is also developing a new integrated mobile app that will include proof of vaccination, use of SafeWA and G2G registrations.

CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell welcomed the announcement, saying the clarity is something CCIWA has worked towards on behalf of WA businesses and the economy since June 2020.

Read more: West Aussies ready for take-off

“The clarification of a date will begin to ease the uncertainty, supply chain delays, higher costs and chronic worker shortages experienced by WA businesses and the economy during this pandemic,” he said.

“We note the Premier’s determination to open on 5th February whether or not the 90 per cent threshold is met, which reduces uncertainty for businesses and households and better enables investment and business planning.

“The vast majority of WA businesses and households have played their part by getting vaccinated. We urge Western Australians to continue to be vaccinated, which is critical to support the health of our people and our economy.”

Rodwell said the chamber will work with our members to manage the transition, which will include proof of vaccination requirements, the maintenance of health records, and masks in certain venues.

For help managing the transition contact CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advice Centre on (08) 9365 7660 or email [email protected].

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