The state government has delayed phase five easing of coronavirus restrictions by another two months, though some venues will allow more patrons.
The state government has delayed phase five easing of coronavirus restrictions by another two months, though some venues will allow more patrons.
Under phase five, major venues would operate at their full capacity and Western Australia's two square metre rule would be removed, while phase six would include access to remote Aboriginal communities.
The state’s chief health officer Andy Robertson, however, has recommended that WA extend and modify its current phase four restrictions, due to the threat of another COVID-19 outbreak.
He said community spread in the eastern states remained a threat to WA, which had suffered no community spread of the virus for more than six months.
From Saturday, venues including cinemas, concert halls and performing arts centres will be exempt from the two square metre rule and will be able to operate at 60 per cent capacity for seated performances.
Seated and ticketed venues are considered ‘low risk’ environments.
Premier Mark McGowan said WA was free of nearly all restrictions compared to other states.
“WA continues to lead the nation in our recovery from COVID-19, and the community’s response has helped keep WA safe and strong,” he said.
“While other jurisdictions still need to impose stricter restrictions on their citizens such as the four square metre rule and other gathering limits … life in WA is virtually back to normal.
“We now have the equal-lowest unemployment rate of all the states, and our economy continues to grow as more local jobs are created.
“There’s more work to do but thanks to the efforts of all Western Australians, we are now in the best position of just about anywhere in the world.”
The premier has asked the federal government to slow down international arrivals, saying WA "did not sign up" to the proposed travel bubble with New Zealand.
His comments come after 23 people arrived at Perth Airport from NZ via Sydney, on Saturday.
The WA government was given no advance notice of the arrivals, Mr McGowan said.
"I'm asking the federal government to take an extra cautious approach to this, to slow down. A rushed approach to border control is not in Australia's interests," the premier said.
New Zealanders arriving in WA via Sydney or Darwin will be ordered to quarantine at a Perth hotel for fourteen days, at their own expense.
WA recorded no new cases of COVID-19 today; however, 24 crew aboard the 51 AL Messilah have tested positive to the virus. These cases will be officially added to WA's case count tomorrow.
