Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed the start of a roadmap to lead the economy out of COVID-19, as the State Government confirmed WA would ease out of a four-day lockdown.
*Editor’s note: Updated Monday July 5.
The four-phase plan, which was agreed at today’s National Cabinet meeting (July 2), will see Australia’s focus shift from suppressing the virus to managing it like any other disease, with travel restrictions, border shutdowns and economic lockdowns phased out as vaccinations increase.
CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell said the plan “gives the clearest signal that we need to roll up our sleeves if we want to return to normal life and improved business operations”.
“In each phase, a vaccination threshold yet been set by health authorities will apply that will trigger fewer restrictions and greater movement,” he said.
“CCIWA is urging all our Members to encourage your teams, and your clients and customers, to do their part and make an appointment via VaccinateWA.”
Rodwell said it was unfortunate that in the current first phase, international migration was set to be restricted even further, exacerbating current skills shortages.
“Our WA business community is on the front line when it comes to bearing the costs of frequent lockdowns and border restrictions,” he said.
WA to emerge from lockdown
Perth and Peel will transition out of its four-day lockdown as planned, with restrictions in place until at least Monday, July 12.
Premier Mark McGowan said from 12:01am Saturday, July 3 until 12:01am Tuesday, July 6, the following restrictions apply (pending no further outbreaks):
- Masks remain compulsory in indoor and outdoor public places, while at work and on public transport, unless exempt or for outdoor vigorous exercise;
- Work from home if it is possible to do so;
- Visitors are limited to 10 people for homes or 20 people for outdoor private gatherings, weddings and funerals;
- The 4-square-metre rule and 20 patron limit applies to:
-restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, casinos, nightclubs, entertainment venues and public venues – for seated food and drink service only;
-beauty, nail and hair services.
-public venues such as recreation centres, outdoor playgrounds, museums and swimming pools, but no group classes can take place;
-fitness venues including gyms, Pilates, yoga, dance studios; and
-places of worship.
- Intrastate border removed.
From Tuesday, July, 6 to 12:01am Tuesday, July 12, the following interim restrictions will apply:
- Mandatory masks in indoor public venues, including the workplace and on public transport, but not outside – where physically distancing is possible;
- 30-person limit in all homes for indoor private gatherings and 150-person limit for outdoor private gatherings;
- A two-square-metre and 150 patron limit will apply for:
-restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, casinos, nightclubs, entertainment venues and public venues – food and drink service can be standing or seated;
-beauty, nail and hair services;
-recreation centres, outdoor playgrounds, museums and swimming pools;
-gyms, Pilates, yoga, dance studios; and
-places of worship.
Weddings and funerals permitted for up to 150 guests;
- Major stadiums, including Optus Stadium, RAC Arena and HBF Park, can operate at 50 per cent capacity.
- Outdoor gatherings can take place with up to 150 people without a COVID event plan.
For a full list of the post-lockdown restrictions read the Premier’s media statement here.
CCIWA’s COVID-19 page contains up-to-date information for businesses.
For help and guidance, contact CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advice Centre on (08) 9365 7660 or [email protected].
