Mark McGowan says WA still faces a very difficult road ahead. Photo: Gabriel Oliveira
COVID-19 daily wrap: Details released on business safety plan
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Friday, 15 May, 2020 - 15:32
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- The state government has announced details on the COVID Safety Plan businesses need to complete before reopening next week.
- The purpose of the plan is to ensure businesses mitigate risks of COVID-19. It must be completed by all businesses that are reopening or broadening their services, including businesses providing take-away options or expanding to provide a dine-in service.
- The COVID Safety Plan will be available for food businesses such as bars, cafes, restaurants and pubs as well as sport and recreation venues, including outdoor sports centres, swimming pools, gyms and health clubs.
- Mandatory conditions outlined in the COVID Safety Guidelines include displaying a certificate, ensuring a maximum of 20 people per venue (excluding staff) and maintaining the four square metre rule.
- Premier Mark McGowan said WA had done a good job in helping to limit the spread of the coronavirus. “We know Western Australians are eager to return to their favourite cafes and restaurants and resume participating in sport and recreation,” he said. “The COVID Safety Plans will enable this to happen, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community.”
- Western Australia has recorded no new coronavirus infections overnight, leaving the state’s total at 554.
- There remain seven active COVID-19 cases in the community, with no more coronavirus patients in Perth hospitals.
- “Our small businesses have been through hell,” the premier said. “It’s been the worst two months for many of them, especially those pubs, restaurants cafes and many retailers. Hopefully as of Monday we can begin to restart the WA economy by cautiously easing restrictions and getting more Australians back to work.”
- Mr McGowan said, prior to the coronavirus pandemic, WA had reached a five-year low unemployment level with thousands of jobs being created each month.
- “Obviously COVID-19 has arrived and it’s changed everything,” the premier said. “Since the arrival of COVID-19, the state government has announced nearly $2 billion in economic support and relief measures. The WA roadmap for easing restrictions is also part of our economic recovery.”
- “The economic recovery process won’t occur overnight. We’re facing a very difficult road ahead,” Mr McGowan said.
- The federal government has announced a $48.1 million mental health support plan, with the package to include a collection of real-time data on the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health. There has been a 50 per cent spike in the number of young Australians seeking mental health support services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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