Last updated: 27 May 2020 at 10.14am
On this page you will find:
Changes to restrictions
From 18 May, restrictions have been relaxed as part of the COVID-19 WA roadmap. This allows some businesses to reopen, while applying the following:
- up to 20 patrons
- 4 square metre rule
- physical distancing
- good hygiene.
Businesses that can reopen include:
- cafés and restaurants with meal service, including within pubs, bars, clubs, hotels and the casino
- outdoor or indoor fitness classes with no shared equipment, such as yoga, Pilates, bootcamp, gymnastics and dance
- public pools (1 indoor and 1 outdoor) with strict rules
- non-contact community sport
- places of worship, community facilities and libraries
- weddings and funerals (up to 30 attendees outside).
The WA Government is encouraging Western Australians to support local businesses.
Some businesses remain closed/have limited operations, including:
- nail, tanning and waxing salons
- spa and massage parlours
- cinemas
- indoor and outdoor play centres
- concert venues, theatres and stadiums
- amusement parks and arcades
- galleries and museums.
These restrictions will be reviewed in Phase 3 of the roadmap.
Gathering restrictions do not apply to:
- office buildings and factories
- schools and childcare facilities
- retail stores and shopping centres
- supermarkets, fresh food markets and grocery stores
- mining and construction sites
- public transport and vehicles.
However, you should still practice physical distancing and good hygiene.
COVID Safety Guidelines and Plans
All businesses are required to mitigate the risks of COVID-19. To reopen, businesses need to:
- ensure a maximum of 20 people per venue (excluding staff)
- comply with conditions outlined in the COVID Safety Guidelines — please read these before completing your plan
- ensure a COVID Safety Plan is completed by the person responsible for the premises
- display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate in a visible location on the premises — this is included in the plan
- maintain a minimum of 4 square metres per person
- maintain hygiene and frequent cleaning
- maintain attendance records of patrons for contact tracing
- carefully manage waiting areas to ensure social distancing.
Tailored guidelines and plans have also been developed for:
COVID Safety Plans are an important part of ensuring that reopening businesses does not increase the risk of spreading COVID-19. Businesses must ensure their COVID Safety Plan is available for inspection by authorised officers. Failure to complete a COVID Safety Plan may mean your business is putting the community at risk.
Premises that were not required to close may choose to voluntarily complete a COVID Safety Plan and display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate.
For more information on what changes to restrictions mean for your business, please see our frequently asked questions.
Returning to work
Show moreWestern Australians are encouraged to return to work, unless they are unwell or vulnerable. If you are concerned or unsure about returning to work, you should contact your employer.
If you are concerned about the safety of your workplace or unhappy with the conditions of your return to work, speak with your employer. If you’re still concerned after discussing the matter with your employer, you may wish to contact the following organisations for further advice:
- Worksafe WA - 1300 307 877
- Fair Work Ombudsman - 13 13 94
- Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission - (08) 9420 4444
- Australian Unions - 1300 486 466
General advice for employers
Show more- Don’t send staff to be tested at either COVID clinics or through GP referrals unless they meet testing criteria.
- Don’t send staff to COVID-19 clinics or GPs for medical clearances or certificates.
- Encourage and practice quality personal hygiene, as you would in the winter flu season — this includes covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often with soap or sanitiser, and staying away from work if unwell.
- Anyone instructed to self-isolate by a medical professional must take the request seriously and stay home to avoid putting others at risk. This means you don’t leave your property, go to work or school, go on outings or have visitors. The only time to leave the house is to seek medical attention.
- Keep up to date with latest advice from the Department of Health.