Restarting WA’s economy in a COVID safe way
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Western Australia’s economy, and the State is now ready to get back to work.
From 18 May, the State will enter Phase 2 of the WA government’s road map.
Developed in conjunction with the National Cabinet framework, the road map is based on the best health advice for the State, and will start to get West Australians back to work within a ‘COVID safe economy’.
“This phased approach allows us to carefully monitor COVID-19 in WA, and ease restrictions in a way that supports our economy, with the smallest risk to the community’s health,” says Premier Mark McGowan.
“It might not meet everyone’s expectation, but we are doing what we can to carefully get businesses up and going that have been devastated by the impacts of COVID-19.”
In this phase, workers will be encouraged to return to their offices, unless they are unwell or vulnerable.
Many cafés, restaurants and pubs will be able to start offering dine-in service, to a maximum of 20 patrons. Each of those businesses will need to complete a COVID Safety Plan to ensure that they are reducing the risk of spreading the virus.
Regional travel restrictions are easing, allowing for more travel within the larger regions, providing a boost to the struggling tourism industry.
More information on the changes are available at www.wa.gov.au
The State Government is still encouraging everyone to keep practising social distancing and good personal hygiene, and download the COVIDSafe phone app.
Many hospitality businesses are expected to benefit from the easing of restrictions on cafes, bars and restaurants.
In the coming weeks, details of the next phase of the road map will be finalised, based on the advice of the Chief Health Officer.
This phase will likely see further relaxations on the hospitality and regional travel restrictions, and restarting the beauty therapy and personal care industries.
The State Government will closely monitor the situation before moving ahead with any further relaxation of the restrictions.