On Sunday 10 May 2020, Premier Mark McGowan released a roadmap to carefully ease COVID-19 restrictions, to start getting Western Australians back to work safely and begin the process of re-starting the State’s economy.

The four phase plan was developed with reference to the National Cabinet framework, taking into account the best health advice for WA.

WA is already effectively at Phase 1. – and current restrictions remain in place.

Phase2 begins on Monday, 18 May 2020 and direct shire changes:

• While we still encourage making an appointment and using our online services, the front office, licencing and library will be open to the public from 8:30am – 4:30pm Mon-Fri. There will still be a maximum 8 patron limit to ensure there is at least 4 square metres of floor space per patron.
• Other shire openings/closures remain in place as per previous shire media releases

Phase 2 State Government directives include: (For Detailed information refer to FAQ’s on www.wa.gov.au)

• indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings lifted to 20 people
• people are encouraged to return to work, unless they are unwell or vulnerable
• cafés and restaurants can reopen with meal service (including pubs, bars, clubs, hotels and casino), limited to 20 patrons and the four square metre rule applied
• weddings and funerals, limited to up to 20 attendees (30 for outdoor);
• places of worship, community facilities and libraries to re-open, limited to 20 patrons
• community sports (non-contact) limited to 20 people
• outdoor or indoor fitness classes (minimal shared equipment) limited to 20 participants
• public swimming pools can open under strict rules (one indoor pool and one outdoor pool), limited to 20 patrons per pool.

Regional travel restrictions are also being eased with travel permitted:

• between the South-West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt, Perth and Peel regions
• between the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions (excluding Biosecurity zone)
• within the Goldfields-Esperance region (excluding the Biosecurity zone)
• within the Kimberley Local Government Areas (the Commonwealth’s Biosecurity zone

 

 

Phase 3 will be finalised in the coming weeks, based on the advice from the Chief Health Officer and will take into account the infection rates across WA. It is expected Phase 3 will be implemented around four weeks from the commencement of Phase 2.

All other restrictions remain in place for now:

• all public playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gym equipment will remain closed.
• avoid close contact with others – keep at least 1.5 metres away. allow 4 square metres per person.
• wash our hands regularly with soap and water, or hand sanitiser.
• cover your mouth/nose when  you cough or sneeze.

For more information visit:  http://www.wa.gov.au

For current information please check the following websites:

• HealthyWA – https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus – State information, or call 13 COVID (13 26843).
• Commonwealth Government of Health –https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources –
• State Government Coronavirus Page – https://www.wa.gov.au/covid19

RICK MILLER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER