Social distancing measures revised, gathering numbers increased in WA's next step out of restrictions

WA will be the first state to introduce a 2-square-metre rule, replacing the 4-square-metre rule, as part of Phase 3 restrictions to take effect from midnight next Saturday, June 6.

Following a national cabinet meeting on Friday, Premier Mark McGowan outlined the phase would begin a week before he had initially flagged. After 12 days of Phase 2, he had the confidence to move forward.

In Phase 3, non-work indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed.

Up to 300 people would be permitted in some settings, such as indoor-outdoor venues with multiple divided spaces with 100 people in each. This will be referred to as the 100/300 rule.

Licensed premises, including restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs could serve alcohol without a meal as long as patrons were seated. They will still have to collect contact details of patrons, in case contact tracing becomes necessary.

Beauty therapists, saunas, wellness centres, galleries, museums, theatres, cinemas and concert venues could reopen with seated patrons in accordance with the 100/300 rule.

Other facilities to reopen include Perth Zoo, amusement parks, arcades, TABs, playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor gym equipment, gyms (staffed and regularly cleaned), health clubs and indoor sports centres.

Full-contact competitive sports and training would also be allowed.

Parents and guardians could enter schools for pickup and dropoff.

Rottnest would reopen to tourists and the state's chief health officer would work with Crown Casino on a potential reopening plan.

Premier McGowan said Phase 4 would be in place in around three weeks’ time.

"Our COVID-19 journey continues today," Mr McGowan said.

"It’s a journey all West Australians can be proud of.

“I want to thank everyone for what they have done.

"Our isolation has worked to our advantage. Our border controls have been our best weapons.

“It is these weapons that have allowed us to ease restrictions faster than any other state."

Mr McGowan said the restrictions had affected mental health, livelihoods and people’s self-worth and this roadmap would help WA emerge safely and cautiously.

Unlike some other states there was still no evidence of community spread in WA.

But quarantine, isolation and contact tracing measures continued, as would the testing regime that allowed the government to monitor for any potential community spread.

“This week showed COVID-19 isn’t going away anytime soon. We must take nothing for granted,” he said.

“WA is ready to take the next step ... it will be significant and it will be challenging,” he said.

“We must all continue to act responsibility ... with good physical distancing where possible and good personal hygiene ... as if we have an outbreak we will have to reinstate restrictions.”

He said when the time came and it was safe, the WA border would be reopened, but for the time being would remain in place.

“It gives people comfort, it gives the government comfort to better relax restrictions within our state by ensuring we have protections against people coming here from elsewhere who might bring the virus into our state,” he said.

He said it was not only a safety measure but would have the side benefit of encouraging intrastate tourism.

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said this was a step to a “new normal” but reminded the community that the state of emergency, which allows the hotel quarantine program for those arriving from overseas, remained in place.

“We will crack down on any person who puts others at risk,” he said.

“As we enter this next phase ... I do want to once again remind West Australians to remain vigilant to ensure there is no further outbreak.”