Almost all businesses will be able to reopen in Western Australia next weekend, as the state becomes the first in the country to reduce the four square metre rule, and gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed.
Almost all businesses will be able to reopen in Western Australia next weekend, as the state becomes the first in the country to reduce the four square metre rule, and gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed.
From June 6, all food businesses and licensed premises can operate with seated-only service, while beauty and personal care services, galleries, cinemas and concert venues can reopen as part of the state's 'Phase 3' easing of restrictions.
A new limit on indoor gatherings of up to 100 people will apply, while 300 people will be permitted in some settings, such as venues with multiple divided spaces.
Full-contact sports and training will be permitted, while gyms, health clubs and indoor sports centres will be allowed to offer their normal range of activities.
Perth Zoo will also reopen along with wildlife, amusement parks, arcades and indoor play centres.
Speaking after a State Disaster Council meeting, Premier Mark McGowan said the changes were a big leap for WA.
“WA is moving ahead along our roadmap in a progressive manner, both economically and socially,” he said.
Mr McGowan noted the four-square metre rule, implemented in Phase 2, had stopped a large number of businesses from reopening.
He said the state was now in a position to move ahead of the national advice and implement a two-square metre rule.
“WA can do this because of the hard work of everyone across our state, but in particular it’s our hard border controls that give us more flexibility to be able to progress further along our roadmap," Mr McGowan said.
“Once again, WA is leading the way and I hope our performance can continue to lay the pathway forward for other states.”
The news comes as WA officially lifted its regional travel restrictions, with Western Australians now able to travel to every region within the state except for the Kimberley, biosecurity zones and remote Aboriginal communities.
Mr McGowan also announced Rottnest Island, which had been used to quarantine international travellers since March, would be open to all Western Australians from next Saturday.
It comes as the state reported eight new coronavirus infections, all from live export ship Al Kuwait, which docked at Fremantle Port last Friday.
The new cases bring the state's total to 585, including 25 active cases - 20 of which are from the Al Kuwait.
Mr McGowan said the active cases were being controlled, with contact tracing underway and quarantine and isolation requirements followed.
"It shouldn't prevent us from continuing our journey to easing restrictions," he said.
“Unlike some other states, we have no evidence of community spread in WA.
"We can hold our heads high, knowing our systems are working well."
The state's early transition into Phase 3 was welcomed by Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA, with chief executive Chris Rodwell saying the move will help WA businesses get back on track.
"The state government’s decision is the most significant step so far to ease the tight constraints on local enterprise, get the circulation going again, and get back to business," he said.
He said WA still faced "the deepest economic contraction in modern times", with Treasury indicating a $12 billion blow to the economy.
"But CCIWA is encouraged by the decision today to further open the economy and deliver another key priority of the business community," Mr Rodwell said.
