Last updated: 25 May 2020 at 4.15pm
On this page you will find frequently asked questions on:
- General
- Returning to work
- Entertainment, hospitality and food
- Sports and recreation
- Socialising and community facilities
- Travel
- Education
- Religion, places of worship and ceremonies
- Arts and cultural centres
- Visiting aged care, hospitals and prisons
- Real estate
- FAQs translated into Simplified Chinese (简体中文), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) and Arabic (عربى)
General
Why are these easing of restrictions taking place?
The latest easing of restrictions by the State Government is due to the continued low number of new COVID-19 cases. The easing of restrictions will begin the process of re-starting the State’s economy by helping to get many Western Australians safely back to work.
The current health advice is that we can cautiously begin to re-open certain venues and facilities, and increase indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings to a maximum of 20 people, while of course continuing to practise physical distancing and good personal hygiene.
For more information see the WA Roadmap.
What (if any) social gathering and venue restrictions have been lifted?
The easing of restrictions will allow for indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 20 people at any one time in public places.
Restaurants and cafés (including in pubs, clubs, bars, hotels, taverns, roadhouses and the casino), are permitted to open for table service meals where there is 4 square metres of floor space per patron in the dining area, up to 20 dine in patrons at any time. Alcohol can only be served ancillary to a meal. All patrons are encouraged to practice physical distancing and good personal hygiene at all times.
For more information see the current gathering restrictions.
Is it safe to go out now that restrictions are lifted?
Based on health advice, it is currently considered safe to go out to public places that are open, provided you maintain good personal hygiene practices and adhere to physical distancing guidelines.
The Western Australian community is encouraged to support the State’s economy by re-engaging with local business, including the hospitality industry.
See how you can support local businesses while adhering to current gathering restrictions.
Do I still need to physical distance when I go out?
Yes, you should always practice physical distancing when you go out. It is recommended that you keep 1.5m away from others where possible and maintain good personal hygiene.
People should be aware that transmission of the virus is still possible and they should not become complacent with their physical distancing and personal hygiene.
The exemptions to the restriction on gatherings remain the same. People are still able to gather in groups of more than 20 in an office building, factory, mining site, construction site, school and childcare facilities, public transport, supermarkets, food markets, grocery stores, retail stores or shopping centres, airports, emergency services, prisons, disability and aged care facilities, courts, tribunals, Parliament, and hotels, motels or other accommodation.
For more information, see the current gathering restrictions.
Are all businesses now open?
No. There are still restrictions in place that limit or prevent some businesses from opening, however, these restrictions will be reviewed in the next phase of the roadmap, around 4 weeks from the start of Phase 2.
Refer to the list of prohibited activities and venues.
Who in an organisation or business is responsible for completing a COVID Safety Plan?
A COVID Safety Plan should be completed by the person who is responsible for the premise or the activity that occurs in that premise.
My business/organisation was never required to close. Do I need to complete a COVID Safety Plan?
Premises that were not required to close under directions made under the Emergency Management Act are not required to complete a COVID Safety Plan, but may choose to voluntarily complete a COVID Safety Plan, and display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate, if desired.
However, if you are a food business and now expanding beyond takeaway only, you are required to complete a COVID Safety Plan and display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate.
If restrictions are lifted and then an outbreak occurs – what will happen then?
To avoid an outbreak, people must continue to abide by the restrictions in place, observe physical distancing and practice good personal hygiene. If an outbreak occurs after restrictions are lifted, the State Government will consult with health experts and an appropriate response will be implemented.
Returning to work
When should I return to work?
We want Western Australians back at work as soon as possible. The cautious easing of these restrictions will mean more people can return to work, though there will still be some exceptions.
If you’re unsure about whether to return to work, contact your employer to discuss your workplace plan.
What should I do if I’m concerned my workplace is not safe?
In the first instance, you should discuss your concerns with your employer and discuss ways to alleviate them.
If after discussing the matter with your employer you’re still concerned, you may wish to get further advice and/or contact a workplace advocate.
- Worksafe WA on 1300 307 877
- Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94
- Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission on 61 8 9420 4444
- Australian Unions on 1300 486 466
What if I’m unhappy with the conditions of my return to work?
In the first instance, you should discuss your concerns with your employer and discuss ways to alleviate them.
If you’re dissatisfied, you may wish to get further advice and/or contact a workplace advocate.
- Worksafe WA on 1300 307 877
- Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94
- Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission on 61 8 9420 4444
- Australian Unions on 1300 486 466
I work in the public sector should I return to work?
Employees are to begin returning to their usual places of work and working arrangements.
We’re encouraging the public sector to head back to the office unless you’re unwell or are a vulnerable employee as defined by the AHPPC.
Returning to normal working arrangements for vulnerable employees in high risk categories, including those in high risk work settings, should continue to be managed as per PSLR Circular 6/2020 – Leave arrangements for COVID-19 (PDF).
Entertainment, hospitality and food businesses
Can I go to the pub just to have a drink?
No. Pubs can only open for table service meals. However, you will be able to order a drink with your meal.
Are nightclubs, pubs and bars open?
Nightclubs must remain closed, but all other licensed venues may open to provide table service meals only.
Where a licensed venue is open, there must be at least 4 square metres of floor space per patron in the dining area, up to a maximum of 20 dine-in patrons per venue (excluding staff).
Alcoholic beverages can only be served ancillary to a meal, and each venue is required to self-complete a COVID Safety Plan prior to re-opening.
My café has been providing takeaway services, but I now want to offer sit down meals. Do I need to complete a COVID Safety Plan?
Yes. If your business is now expanding beyond takeaway only or recommencing an activity, you are required to complete a COVID Safety Plan and display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate.
I own a fast food outlet in a food court, can my patrons now dine in?
No. Food courts can remain open for takeaway only.
I own a food van. Can I now return to my local public place for my regular business hours?
Yes. A food van can operate for takeaway purposes only. Normal physical distancing and hygiene measures apply.
I own a nightclub, I sell drinks but not food, can I open?
No. Nightclubs must remain closed.
I am a café owner. What can I do if a patron has made a minimal order but insists on being one of my 20 patrons for a period of several hours? Can I ask them to leave?
Yes. These restrictions do not change any existing authority that you have in relation to your café. In those circumstances you can ask anyone to leave your premises.
I own a pub – can I start having major events and capacity crowds coming through?
No. Pubs can only open to provide table service meals.
Where a licensed venue is open, there must be 4 square metres of floor space per patron in the dining area, up to a maximum of 20 patrons.
Alcoholic beverages can only be served ancillary to a meal, and each venue is required to self-complete a COVID Safety Plan prior to re-opening.
I own a pub – how do I ensure that patrons order food and not just a drink?
It is up to individual business owners how they wish to enforce the restrictions.
Is Crown Casino open for gambling?
No, the gaming floor of Crown Casino is to remain closed for gambling purposes.
Are the restaurants or bars at the Crown Casino or other multi-venue premises open?
Yes. Each individual food business within a multi-venue premises can only open to provide table service meals.
Where a venue is open, there must be 4 square metres of floor space per patron in the dining area, up to a maximum of 20 dine-in patrons (excluding staff)
Alcoholic beverages can only be served ancillary to a meal, and each venue is required to self-complete a COVID Safety Plan prior to reopening.
I’m thinking about staying at Crown Towers but only if I can visit the Crystal Club. Will hotels be allowed to open their VIP lounges?
No, unless the lounge provides a table service meal. If table service meals are provided, then they may open, subject to the restrictions that have been imposed.
Can a pub/restaurant have people waiting to pick up take-away, while there are 20 people at the venue?
Yes. However, patrons waiting to collect takeaway food should wait outside the venue if there are already 20 people inside the venue. Time spent inside to order, pay and collect their food should be limited and businesses must allow 4 square metres of floor space per patron. Patrons waiting to collect takeaway food should practice physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from patrons from other households.
For more information see the COVID Safety Guidelines: Food Businesses.
Can restaurants/cafes have more than 20 people if they have two spaces, one indoor and one outdoor?
No. The total number of dine-in patrons must not exceed 20 people at a time, regardless of whether there are any segregated spaces within the venue.
Is the 20 patron limit including staff members in the premises?
No, the 20 patron limit does not include staff members.
How many staff members can I have working at one time?
You can roster as many staff members as required. Where possible staff should practise physical distancing.
Does every staff member need to complete the COVID-19 Hygiene Course?
Yes.
Do staff members need to physical distance if they are working in a kitchen?
Where possible, physical distancing and good hygiene practices should continue to be observed.
Do I have to use a booking system or can people enter the premises without one?
This is at the discretion of the venue owner/manager, however, a record of dine-in patrons, including contact details, will be required as part of a COVID Safety Plan to ensure contact tracing can be done if necessary.
I’m concerned about the restaurant using my personal details to market their products to me. What will they do with my personal details?
Your personal details are being collected to allow for contact tracing.
Many restaurants will be bound by privacy laws which regulate the collection and use of your personal information. If you are concerned about how your personal information will be used you can raise the issue with the restaurant.
However, patrons will not be permitted to dine at a restaurant without providing their contact details.
Are cinemas now open?
Indoor cinemas are not permitted to open.
Drive-in cinemas are permitted to open, including food, drink and toilet facilities. Patrons must take all reasonable steps to keep at least 1.5 metres away from other patrons when using these facilities.
Can I now go and play pool or go ten pin bowling?
No. These restrictions will be reviewed in the next phase of the roadmap, around 4 weeks from the start of Phase 2.
If I am caught with more than 20 dine-in patrons in my restaurant, or if I allow more than 1 person per 4 square metres in the venue, what are the consequences/fines?
It is an offence to fail to comply with the Directions. The maximum penalty for this offence is:
- imprisonment for 12 months or a fine of $50,000;
- a fine of $5000 for each separate and further offence.
If the offence is committed by a company, the maximum fine is increased to $250,000.
An infringement in the amount of $1000 may be issued (or $5000 for a company), instead of being prosecuted.
What will food businesses need to do to meet hygiene requirements?
Prior to re-opening, food businesses are required to self-complete a COVID Safety Plan and have it available for inspection upon request by an authorised officer. You must also display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate in a prominent location visible to patrons. Refer to the COVID Safety Guidelines: Food Businesses for further information around hygiene requirements.
Already, the State Government in partnership with the AHA has rolled-out an Australian-first COVID-19 hygiene course to help WA hospitality workers prepare for their return to work.
Hospitality workers should complete the online training course before they return to work.
Businesses must also ensure there is at least 4 square metres of floor space per patron in the dining area, up to a maximum of 20 patrons.
For more information visit COVID-19 coronavirus: Food businesses.
Will there be a time limit I can be in the venue?
It will be a matter for each venue to decide how to manage the turn-over of patrons.
Can wine tours or wine tasting happen?
No. Cellar doors are not permitted to provide wine tastings.
However, if the business owner can provide a meal with the wine tasting, this is allowed.
A meal means food:
- that is eaten by a person sitting at a table, or a fixed structure used as a table, with cutlery provided for the purpose of eating the food
- that is of sufficient substance as to be ordinarily accepted as a meal
- that may consist of one or more courses.
Licensees should apply common sense to assessing proportionality of food to alcohol service.
What is COVID Safety Plan?
The purpose of the COVID Safety Plan is to help ensure that businesses actively mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in line with the best available health advice. In the plan, you will need to explain how your business will take steps to implement the requirements and the advice set out in these guidelines.
Prior to re-opening, you are required to self-complete a COVID Safety Plan for your business and have it available for inspection upon request by an authorised officer. If your business has multiple premises you must prepare a COVID Safety Plan for each premises.
Sports and recreation
Are sporting clubs able to return and is full contact allowed?
Sporting activities that are non-contact (such as cricket, lawn bowls, and tennis) and involve no more than 20 participants are allowed. This includes children’s sports.
Equipment cannot be shared in a session. It must be cleaned between sessions.
This includes non-contact training for sports that would ordinarily involve contact (such as hockey, basketball, football, soccer and netball).
Contact sports remain a prohibited activity.
Separate rules apply for the use of places like club rooms. Club rooms must comply with gathering restrictions which require at least 4 square metres per person, up to a maximum of 20 people in total in the venue.
What counts as no shared equipment?
As an example, you can share footballs, tennis balls, shuttlecocks, sailing ropes or netballs but they must be cleaned in between training sessions.
Equipment that cannot be shared during fitness classes or training sessions includes skipping ropes, kettle bells, hand weights etc. They must be cleaned in between classes or training sessions. You cannot use personal equipment like boxing gloves or mats unless you bring your own.
You cannot share gym equipment like mats, benches, weight machines, exercise bikes, rowing machines or Pilates reformers.
I own a gym - can I now open to all clients?
Gyms can open, but only for fitness classes or small group training and there must be 4 square metres of floor space per person, up to a maximum of 20 participants in total at the venue.
Only classes that do not involve shared equipment should occur.
This means you cannot use any gym machines, like Pilates reformers, weight machines, exercise bicycles, rowing machines, and treadmills.
Equipment must be cleaned between each class or session.
The general gym floor should not be accessible unless part of a supervised personal training session or fitness class that uses minimal shared equipment, as outlined above.
Who is included in the 20-person maximum per gathering count?
Instructors, trainers, coaches and general venue staff are not included in the 20 person count.
Players, customers, patrons, participants, parents and spectators are included in the count.
Can outdoor fitness classes and bootcamps occur?
You can attend an indoor or outdoor fitness class as long as there is 4 square metres of floor space for each participant, up to a maximum of 20 participants.
Equipment is not allowed to be shared in a session. It must be cleaned between every session. Participants should practice good hygiene and physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
Can my yoga or Pilates studio now reopen?
Yes. A yoga or Pilates studio can open for classes, but only where there is 4 square metres of floor space per person, up to a maximum of 20 people in total at the venue. People should bring their own equipment such as mats.
Pilates reformer machines are not to be used.
Can my gymnastics club open?
The 20-person maximum and all physical distancing restrictions must be adhered to.
All pieces of apparatus (e.g. pommel horses, bars and beams) cannot be shared and must be cleaned in line with your hygiene measures between uses.
What are the spacing requirements for outdoor venues, including multicourt venues and ovals?
Outdoor venues may have up to 20 people per training zone at any one time. Each training zone should allow for 4 square metres per person. Maintain physical distancing where practicable during the training session.
The spaces between gatherings and groups should ensure that there is suitable distancing to prevent one gathering encroaching on another. For example, an AFL football field may be large enough for three separate zones, a rectangular field (e.g. rugby, soccer or hockey) may be large enough for two zones, whereas a netball or tennis court would only be large enough for one zone. Where there are multiple courts (e.g. multiple netball courts), we suggest you use every second court.
What are the spacing requirements around multi-functional venues?
Indoor multi-functional facilities, such as large-scale recreation centres comprised of multiple functional spaces, are permitted to accommodate 20 persons in each different multi-functional facility, provided there is at least 4 square metres of floor space per patron.
For example: an indoor pool collocated with a 6 court indoor sports hall and café may operate with 20 persons in the pool, 20 persons in the 6 court sports hall and 20 people in the café provided all relevant physical distancing measures are followed.
Can I watch my child play sport?
The 20-person maximum and 1.5 metres distancing restrictions must be observed. It may be appropriate for parents/carers to stay and watch training. As above, parents are included in the count. Clubs should regularly communicate their expectations for parent/carers attending and watching training for junior sport.
Can I swim in a public swimming pool?
Yes. Swimming pools may now open in a limited capacity. They are restricted to a maximum of 20 patrons per pool which is also subject to one person per 4 square metres. Changerooms remain closed, but the toilets remain open.
Venues with multiple pools can open 1 indoor pool and multiple outdoor pools.
For example, “Outdoor Pool A” may have 20 participants and “Outdoor Pool B” may have 20 participants, provided there is at least 4 square metres of space per person.
In addition to this, 1 indoor pool may be open, with a maximum of 20 participants in it.
Participants include spectators and swimmers.
Does that mean Hotels and caravan parks can open their pools?
Yes, with a maximum of 20 patrons allowed to swim in the pool at any time, and the 4 square metre rule applies.
I own a gym – do I need to prepare and present a COVID Safety Plan for my gym?
Yes, a COVID Safety Plan must be prepared before reopening your gym.
Can my water polo team now train?
Yes, if it involves no contact and adheres to physical distancing.
What will my local pool have to do in terms of cleaning the pool water and surrounding facilities to ensure I’m safe from COVID-19?
Your local pool is required to complete a COVID Safety Plan which will provide health guidelines to manage hygiene standards.
Can I attend my horse-riding school – what are the restrictions?
Yes. Horse riding schools may open, although they are not permitted to have more than 20 attendees at one time, including any instructors.
Riders should practice physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
Equipment should be thoroughly sanitised between classes.
Can I go shooting for recreation?
Non-contact sport such as shooting is permitted, provided where there is 4 square metres of floor space per person, up to a maximum of 20 people in total at the venue.
Will amusement parks and arcades be re-opened?
No. At this stage, amusement parks and arcades remain closed to the public.
Arcade machines in all venues should remain switched off during Phase 2.
Can I attend a fitness class? Do the rules change if it’s indoors?
You can attend an indoor or outdoor fitness class as long as there is 4 square metres of floor space in the venue for each person, up to a maximum 20 participants in total at the venue.
Sharing of equipment is not permitted and participants and instructors should practice good hygiene and physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
Can I use outdoor gym equipment?
No. Outdoor gym equipment remains closed.
Can my dance studio open?
Yes. Dance studios may reopen as long as there is 4 square metres of floor space in the venue for each person, up to a maximum of 20 participants in total at the venue, including spectators and dancers, not including instructors.
Dancing that involves contact, for example ballroom dancing, can only be undertaken with a member of the same household. Equipment is not allowed to be shared in a session. It must be cleaned between every session. Participants should practice good hygiene and physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
Can I open a squash venue?
Yes, with a maximum of 20 persons per indoor facility. While squash is a non-contact sport, it is reasonable to expect that some accidental contact will happen in a game or training. Training for skills and through modified training drills observing the 1.5m distancing would minimise accidental contact.
Each venue will need to ensure they comply with the Directions/restrictions in place at the time. Land managers and/or local governments should be engaged where relevant about the plans each club/venue puts in place. Each venue will need to decide if they can comply with the restrictions and be viable in doing so.
Can I play soccer socially at the park if there are 20 of us?
Soccer is a contact sport and is prohibited. However, non-contact training or kick to kick is permitted with up to 20 people at a local park.
The space you’re playing in must be big enough to provide at least 4 square metres per person and participants should practice physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
Groups of people playing sports in parks should take care to keep a safe distance from other groups using the park.
Can I play tennis?
Yes.
Any equipment that is used needs to be cleaned after the activity. Participants should practice good hygiene and physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
Can I play golf?
Yes.
Any equipment that is used needs to be cleaned after the activity. Participants should practice good hygiene and physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
Changerooms remain closed, but the toilets remain open.
Can I play lawn bowls?
Yes.
No more than 20 persons are permitted to play on each bowling green at a time, with no more than three bowling greens operating at any one time in one venue, and there must be at least 4 square metres of space per person.
Equipment is not allowed to be shared in a session. It must be cleaned between every session. Participants should practice good hygiene and physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
Changerooms remain closed, but the toilets remain open.
Other questions
Can the bar or restaurant at my local bowls/tennis/golf club open?
Yes, but only to provide table service meals and there must be 4 square metres of floor space per patron in the dining area, up to a maximum of 20 patrons.
Alcoholic beverages may be served ancillary to a meal, and each venue must have a COVID Safety Plan that has been developed in consultation with your local government or land manager. Patrons should practice physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from patrons from other households.
For more information, see changes to restrictions.
How many people can attend my wedding?
Up to 20 attendees (not including the person conducting the ceremony) are permitted at indoor weddings, or up to 30 attendees are permitted at outdoor weddings. physical distancing and 4 square metres of floor space per person must be adhered to.
How many people are permitted to attend funerals?
Up to 20 attendees can attend a funeral indoors or up to 30 attendees outdoors, not including the person/s necessary to conduct the service e.g. funeral director (unless the funeral is in a small indoor or outdoor venue and impacted by prohibited gathering rules which require at least 4 square metres per person) unless an exemption is approved.
Can I visit my local library or community/youth facility?
Libraries and community facilities such as youth centres or senior citizens centres are permitted to open, with a 20 patron limit and ensure there is at least 4 square metres of floor space per patron.
Where a community premises has multiple facilities, there can be up to 20 customers in each facility (e.g. 20 patrons in group fitness room, and 20 patrons in youth centre, 20 patrons in library), as long as there is at least 4 square metres for each customer in the relevant facility.
Why don't workplaces/offices have to meet physical distancing requirements?
Gatherings which are necessary for the normal business of offices and other workplaces are not prohibited. Of course, people should still be maintaining physical distancing where possible and practicing good hygiene.
Will community facilities like senior’s centres, community centres, and community halls be able to open?
Community facilities such as youth centres or senior citizens centres are permitted to open, with a 20 patron limit, ensuring there is at least 4 square metres of floor space per patron.
Where a community premises has multiple facilities, there can be up to 20 customers in each facility (e.g. 20 patrons in group fitness room, and 20 patrons in youth centre, 20 patrons in library), as long as there is at least 4 square metres for each customer in the relevant facility.
For more information refer to the COVID Safety Guidelines.
Can I book my local community centre for bingo?
Yes, up to 20 people are allowed but physical distancing must be adhered to, including the 4 square metre rule.
Can I open my nail salon to sell nail polish and other products?
Yes. Beauty therapy parlours (etc) are able to open for retail purposes, however the provision of beauty therapy services remains prohibited.
I’m a beauty therapist – can I perform beauty therapy services from home?
No. Beauty services including but not limited to tanning, waxing, massages, nail services, tattooing and piercing, remain prohibited, even on private property.
Socialising and community
Can my elderly relatives leave the house and socialise?
Yes. There is no prohibition on elderly relatives leaving the house. However, it is recommended they follow current health advice.
Can I go on a stay-cation at a hotel or Airbnb?
Yes, subject to the new regional travel restrictions.
Are playgrounds and skate parks now open?
No, they remain closed. They will be considered as part of Phase 3.
Can I have a picnic with friends?
Picnics of up to 20 people are permitted, though you should keep your distance from other groups and practice physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people at your picnic.
Travel
Can I now travel or holiday around Western Australia?
Some travel restrictions have been eased to allow people to travel further within WA.
Travel is now permitted:
- Within the Perth, Peel, Wheatbelt, South West and Great Southern regions
- Within the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions (excluding the biosecurity zones in parts of the Shire of East Pilbara that encompass the communities of Jigalong, Martu homeland communities and Kiwirrkurra)
- Within the Goldfields-Esperance region including from other parts of that region into Esperance (but excluding the biosecurity zones of the Shire of Ngaanyatarraku)
- Between local government areas in the Kimberley
Travel into remote Aboriginal communities remains restricted.
From Friday, 29 May 2020, the regional boundaries will be lifted except for the Federal Government biosecurity zones. Restrictions on entering 274 remote Aboriginal communities will remain in place. For more details see regional travel information.
People going on holiday should ensure they continue to practice physical distancing measures and good hygiene. Gatherings are limited to 20 people.
People should not go on holiday if they are feeling unwell.
Does physical distancing still remain for passengers traveling in vehicles?
Motor vehicles are exempt from the prohibited gathering restrictions. However, people should still practice physical distancing and good hygiene whenever possible.
Can I go camping now?
Camping at national parks and private campsites (including caravan parks) is allowed for guests from within their region only. Please observe the following:
- Adhere to the up to 20-person gathering rule
- Maintain physical distancing practices
- The 4 square metres per person rule should be applied with particular attention to shared facilities and areas such as ablutions/camp kitchens and other communal areas.
- Good hygiene practices.
Can people come into WA for a holiday now?
No. Western Australia’s hard border closure remains in place and no exemptions will be given for people to holiday in WA.
I live in the Kimberley, can I now travel within the Kimberley?
Yes. Travel restrictions between local government areas within the Kimberley have now been removed.
Access to remote communities remains restricted.
Strong restrictions still apply for entering the Kimberley region.
Do I still need to apply for an exemption to travel outside of the new regional boundaries?
Yes. If you believe you fall under an exemption category and are required to travel between the regions you will need to apply for approval to travel using G2G PASS or have supporting documentation such as a letter, email or SMS from an employer that proves you meet the criteria to travel into another region.
Information on G2G PASS as well as an online application can be found at www.g2gpass.com.au
I rent a property as an Airbnb, can I take bookings for my property?
Yes. People are still able to book accommodation and travel as long as it is within their region. Property owners must ensure that bookings do not exceed 1 person per 4 square metres.
Accommodation service providers should ensure a high level of cleaning in between guests staying at their premises.
Can I book a holiday in Broome?
Only if you live within the Kimberley region. Please note the Federal Government’s biosecurity zone remains in place. If you do not live within this region, you cannot currently book a holiday to Broome.
When can I go to Rottnest Island?
Rottnest Island and its surrounding waters are off limits to the public. The island is currently being used as part of the State’s response to COVID-19 coronavirus.
Will the state borders be open in time for Christmas?
The Western Australian border will only be reopened when it is appropriate to do so. There is no timeframe for this as it depends on a range of factors.
Education – TAFE, universities and schools
When will the schools decision be reviewed?
All students are expected to return to school from week 4, Term 2 (18 May 2020), except for those who are recognised as medically vulnerable or who have medically-vulnerable family members.
Can my university now run face to face lectures?
This is not a State decision. We encourage people to return to work where possible and it is safe to do so.
Can I attend my metal workshop at TAFE?
We encourage the return to normal arrangements where possible and in accordance with the health guidelines. We are currently reviewing the resumption of face-to-face classes across all campuses.
Religious practices
Communion requires the sharing of a cup, can this practice continue?
This practise is not advised. Current health advice should be followed.
Can I go to church or my place of worship?
Places of worship are permitted to open in a modified way, with a limit of 20 attendees in addition to the people required to conduct and broadcast the service (maximum of 10 people) and one person per 4 square metres.
Arts and cultural centres
Will cultural centres such as concert venues, theatres, arenas, auditoriums, stadiums, galleries, museums, open to the public?
No – arts and cultural centres will remain closed.
Arts and cultural centres are welcome to livestream from their facilities, provided gathering and physical distancing restrictions are adhered to by all present during the recording.
Can I take my kids to the playground?
All public playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gym equipment will remain closed.
Can artwork be sold in a retail shop, including a pop-up space?
Yes, if the shop is for the purposes of selling the artworks, rather than a gallery for an exhibition.
While concert venues cannot open, can musicians perform in public places?
Artists performing in a public place must comply with gathering rules which limit the number of people to 20 and require at least 4 square metres per person. All attendees should practice physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
While there is no ban on buskers and street performers, people should not linger around them.
Visiting aged care facilities, hospitals and prisons
Have the rules changed for visits to aged care facilities?
Rules around visiting aged care facilities remain unchanged in Phase 2.
Visits to aged care facilities are limited to:
- a short duration
- one care and support visit per day, with a maximum of two visitors at a time
- emergency management, law enforcement or otherwise responding to an emergency (for example a police officer, fire fighter or ambulance officer)
- providing goods or services for the effective operation of the facility.
You should not enter the facility if you have:
- returned from overseas in the last 14 days
- been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- a fever or symptoms of acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath)
- not had an up-to-date influenza vaccination.
While the provision of Aged Care is a Commonwealth Government responsibility, both the WA State and Commonwealth Governments have strongly urged aged care facilities to follow National Cabinet recommendations regarding visitation, rather than a full facility lockdown.
Do I need to have a flu vaccination to visit an aged care facility?
People are allowed to visit relatives in aged care facilities as long as they can demonstrate receipt of this year’s flu vaccination.
This restriction has been put in place to protect older Australians who are at most risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19.
Can I visit a friend or relative in hospital?
Restrictions still apply to hospital visits:
- Children under 16 are not able to visit patients.
- Hospital visiting hours are limited to two hours a day – one in the morning and one in the evening.
- All adult patients, including those in maternity wards, are restricted to two visitors per day; the same two visitors may visit morning and evening.
- Visitors to paediatric patients must be the same family members each day.
- No visitors are allowed to see confirmed COVID-19 adult inpatients or COVID-19 inpatients under investigation.
Can I visit an inmate in prison?
To protect Western Australia’s prisoners, detainees and staff from the spread of COVID-19, social prison visits have been suspended.
Additional phone calls will be available to maintain contact with family, friends and loved ones and the Department is exploring other technological solutions such as Skype.
Prison visits have been suspended around Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Real estate
Can 20 people attend a home open at the same time to view a house for sale?
A maximum of 20 people will be permitted to attend a home open or a home at a display village, however appropriate physical distancing and hygiene practices must continue to be observed. Attendees should practice physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other people.
A register, including names and contact details, of all attendees must be kept at all times. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser must be available at entry and each available exit, and must be encouraged to be used via signage or other means.
Are auction houses and in-person real estate auctions permitted?
No. Auction houses and real estate auctions remain prohibited.
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