by Western Australia is set to remove its remaining COVID-19 capacity restrictions at restaurants, bars, hotels and other venues.
Key points:
- The 2-square-metre rule will be abolished for venues from Wednesday
- Venues such as bars and restaurants may operate at full capacity
- COVID-19 restrictions still remain for remote Indigenous communities
WA Premier Mark McGowan announced the state would move to phase five of eased restrictions on Wednesday morning, following updated health advice.
The existing 2-square-metre rule and 75 per cent capacity limit for a range of venues will be lifted.
“What that will mean is that for many venues around the state hospitality venues in particular they’ll be able to go back to normal, as we were pre-COVID,” Mr McGowan said.
“We’re confident in doing this because we know people do the right thing when necessary.”
The state branch of the Australian Hospitality Association has been advocating for the state government to remove the remaining COVID-19 restrictions “to recoup losses incurred over the past year and recover strongly in 2021”.
Mr McGowan said the latest changes would make it easier for hospitality venues to operate.
“I’m sure for the many thousands of employees in restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and the like around the state, this will be welcome news and make life easier,” he said.
‘Please get yourself vaccinated’
Health Minister Roger Cook again emphasised the need for people to get vaccinated as the best way to avoid lockdowns and further restrictions.
From Tuesday, the Pfizer vaccine will be administered from the Kwinana and Joondalup public health clinics.
“If we want to stay at phase five, I want people in WA to remember one thing: you have to continue to do the right thing,” Mr Cook said.
“Make sure you practice good hygiene, make sure you check in as you go into a venue, make sure you get yourself tested and stay away from work or school when you’re unwell.
“And, of course, if you’re eligible, please get yourself vaccinated.”
‘Certainty’ moving forward: hospitality owners
John Parker, owner of the Royal Hotel in Perth, said the easing of restrictions gave him a sense of certainty.
“It’s been a tough time for all West Australians, especially in hospitality,” he said.
“But I feel the latest news gives us some certainty moving forward and we can trade how we always planned to.”
Mr Parker said he planned to gradually employ more staff as the business opens up to full capacity again.
Under phase five of the government’s COVID-19 plan, all venues including nightclubs, museums and the casino can operate at 100 per cent capacity again.
The only restriction which is not lifted is the decision to keep 200 remote Indigenous communities closed to non-residents.
Mr Cook said this was “because the vaccine program has not had deep penetration in those communities as yet”.
WA recorded no new COVID-19 cases overnight, leaving the state’s total case number at 1,020.
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