Perth emerges from lockdown, but strict interim restrictions remain

The three-day lockdown for Western Australia’s Perth and Peel regions has ended as planned at midnight based on the latest public health advice.

However, the Western Australian government announced yesterday that a post-lockdown transition will be in place for both regions until 12.01am (local time) on Saturday 1 May.

Under the post-lockdown measures, Western Australians must continue to wear a mask in public, while at work and on public transport, unless exempt or for outdoor vigorous exercise.

The intrastate Perth and Peel border has been removed, meaning people can travel with the exception of some remote Aboriginal communities.

There is a 20-person limit in all homes and private indoor and outdoor gatherings, and a four-square-metre capacity rule and 20-patron limit for cafés, restaurants, bars and pubs (for seated food and drink service only).

Public venues such as recreation centres, outdoor playgrounds, museums, swimming pools can open with the four-square-metre capacity rule and 20-patron limit in place.

Entertainment venues can open with the four-square-metre capacity rule and 20-patron limit in place, but fitness clubs, gyms, casinos and nightclubs will remain closed.

Weddings and funerals can proceed with up to 100 guests with an exemption and a COVID-safe plan in place. Professional and community sports is permitted, but without spectators.

WA Premier Mark McGowan thanked everyone for their co-operation over the long weekend, acknowledging that the past few days had been “challenging”.

“The lockdown was the circuit breaker that we needed to help crush and contain the virus, and keep the community safe,” he said.

“As always, we will continue to monitor the situation, and if we need to make any adjustments, we will.

“We have crushed the virus before and we will do it again – by everyone doing what is required to keep each other safe.”

Featured image source: iStock/Bruce Aspley