WA first to ease restrictions
Western Australia will be first out the gate when it comes to easing restrictions as Premier Mark McGowan looks for a return to normal as soon as possible.
From next Monday, venues will be able to accommodate up to 20 patrons for sit down dining who must adhere to strict social distancing rules of 4sqm.
“It is a heartbreaking thing to see, to walk into a cafe with chairs and tables stacked up,” McGowan said. “I feel so sorry for these people and I wish it had never had to happen.”
The state’s restrictions would be further relaxed in four weeks for stage two of the road map out of lockdown.
“Western Australia now needs to get moving and get our economy going again,” he said. “I ask for people to remain patient. Your understanding and patience throughout this pandemic crisis has been a hallmark of Western Australia’s journey and I hope this can continue.”
The state is also opening up some intrastate travel with four regions now reopening for Perth residents. The Margaret River wine region, the Wheatbelt and the south coast will now be open to Perth residents in an effort to kick start the tourism sector.
However, McGowan said the border with South Australia and the Northern Territory would likely be the last restriction lifted.
“We have obviously gone further than any other state in Australia but that’s because West Australians have managed this issue better,” he said.
Sheridan Randall, 12th May 2020
