Western Australia will safely transition to Phase 5 from Wednesday (June 23), ending the remainder of capacity and gathering limits for venues and events.
Phase 5 will result in the removal of the two square metre rule and the 75 per cent capacity limit for hospitality and entertainment venues.
Major events of all kinds can resume with no limits on size or crowds.
Maintaining good hygiene standards and COVID-safe principles will be upheld along with mandatory contact registers. COVID Safety Plans and COVID Event Plans will also continue.
These measures, along with the State of Emergency and Public Health State of Emergency declarations, are based on the latest health advice to ensure we can continue to deliver hotel quarantine, WA's controlled interstate border, contact tracing and testing capabilities, COVID-19 vaccination program and enable the State to ramp up and respond rapidly to any outbreak in the future.
Western Australians must continue to keep up physical distancing where possible and good personal hygiene to better protect themselves and the general health of our community.
Staying home when unwell and getting tested are all essential in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
WA businesses will be expected to continue with contact registers, and ensure their COVID Safety Plans are updated and continue to be implemented. Large-scale events are required to continue with COVID Event Plans, under the eased restrictions.
COVID Safety Plans and COVID Event Plans help mitigate the risk of COVID-19, are in line with health advice and provide extra confidence to patrons and staff entering the business premises.
The Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor the public health situation and provide further advice as is necessary.
Phase 6 includes the removal of WA's controlled interstate border, and travel restrictions currently in place for some remote Aboriginal communities.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"WA has done a remarkable job over the past 18 months and this transition towards the end of our COVID-19 roadmap is a credit to each and every Western Australian.
"We've followed the health advice, been cautious and sensible, in an effort to crush this deadly virus in our community, all in the middle of a global pandemic.
"As a result our State's economy continues to grow, it has roared back to life over the past 12 months, resulting in the lowest unemployment rate since 2013.
"The removal of the remainder of the capacity limits will be pleasing for many businesses right across WA and will also mean eventgoers can get back to enjoying their business.
"I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding, but just like we said at the start of this - we're all in this together, and together we succeeded.
"What should not be lost on any of us is this virus is insidious and we cannot be complacent.
"It was just over 12 months ago where we thought a move to Phase 5 was imminent, however, the changing public health situation on the east coast of the country put these plans to a sudden halt.
"New variants continue to rear their heads and they are much more complicated and dangerous. This is where vigilance comes in.
"Getting vaccinated is the best way out of this pandemic so I encourage everyone to get the COVID vaccine when they're eligible.
"I want to acknowledge the incredible effort everyone living in WA has given to combatting COVID and I want to remind everyone to stay the course, for themselves, their family, their friends and the community."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"We have been through so much together in the past year and more.
"The fight against COVID-19 has been unpredictable and extremely difficult.
"But throughout it all there has been one thing that has not changed - the incredible patience and support of the WA public.
"The community has been so fantastic and accepting and dealing with so much change.
"It is one of the most important reasons why WA has been the safest place in the world with one of the best economies in the world.
"So this is an important day for everyone because everyone has made a contribution to enabling us to move to Phase 5."
