More than two million people in the Perth and Peel regions can return to pre-lockdown life from Saturday after no new COVID-19 cases were detected overnight, the WA Premier Mark McGowan has announced.
Key points:
- From Saturday, masks will only remain mandatory at the airport
- Perth Stadium can operate at full capacity for weekend football
- The Premier has urged people to support local businesses
"Pending no further cases the following restrictions will be removed," he said.
"Masks will no longer be mandatory unless you're at that airport — which is a national rule.
"There will be no capacity limits for weddings and funerals, visitor numbers for patients in hospital, aged care and disability facilities will be lifted.
"The 100-person capacity limit for home gatherings will be removed and major stadiums can operate at 100 per cent capacity.
"This is fantastic news for the community, businesses and the state's economy."
There have been no new community cases of COVID-19 in WA since Saturday May 1, despite more than 101,000 tests being undertaken since April 25.
"West Australians have once again done a fantastic job at crushing the virus in our community," Mr McGowan said.
"We listened to the advice and kept each other safe."
ABC News: Jarrod Lucas
)The decision means Perth Stadium can operate at full capacity for the AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and Adelaide Crows on Sunday.
There will also be no capacity restrictions at Perth Oval this weekend, with both the Western Force and Perth Glory playing at home.
"The return to pre-lockdown life is only possible because of the collective effort of all West Australians," Mr McGowan said.
"I thank everyone for listening to the health advice and protecting one another from this killer virus," he said.
Premier urges public to support local business
Mr McGowan said the chief health officer had advised that the transition to pre-lockdown life would be in place for at least a month.
The two-square-metre rule remains in place for some hospitality venues which are not seated.
"The chief health officer will review the situation again in a month's time before recommending a possible transition to removing the remaining restrictions and adjusting to a new phase five," he said.
"West Australians have done a remarkable job at containing the virus, protecting each other and our economy.
"We remain the envy of much of the world.
"The federal budget released this week was an endorsement of our COVID-19 strategy.
ABC News: Hugh Sando
)"What is clear is that eliminating the virus is the best health and economic policy."
But he conceded the restrictions have had an impact on many businesses and urged people to go out and support them.
"Whether that be going out for a coffee at your local cafe or down to the pub for lunch or to the football with your friends on Sunday, please support as many WA businesses as you can.
"But please remember when you're out and about supporting your local businesses it's still important to check in using the Safe WA app or written contact register."
Perth coronavirus mask restrictions to be eased after no new local cases detected - ABC News
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