In latest Perth COVID-19 update, Mark McGowan has announced a further delay to WA’s Phase Five COVID-19 easing of restrictions.

Under Western Australia’s current COVID-19 roadmap – the implementation of phase five would have seen all remaining restrictions lifted, except for WA’s hard border and access to remote Aboriginal communities.

Phase five would also see the two square metre rule and the 50 per cent capacity limit for major venues removed across the state.

“Western Australia continues to lead the nation in our recovery from COVID-19, and the community’s response has helped keep WA safe and strong.

“While other jurisdictions still need to impose stricter restrictions on their citizens such as the 4 square metre rule and other gathering limits, Western Australia is free of nearly all restrictions and life in WA is virtually back to normal.” said Mr McGowan.

However, while Western Australia won’t be entering Phase Five on Saturday October 24th there will be welcomed changes for the events and arts industry.

Venues that are now exempt include theatres, concert halls, auditoriums/amphitheatres, cinemas, comedy lounges, and performing arts centres.

“From October 24th or 11:59pm, Friday, October 23 selected venues that predominantly hold seated events are exempt from the two square meter rule.” Mr McGowan said.

The easing of this restriction will allow seated events to be exempt from the two-meter square rule and allow up to 60% capacity for seated and ticketed events.

“We’ve come so far, and it’s more important than ever that we don’t get complacent and take risk that we will all regret.”

No new tentative date will be set for Phase 5 at this point.

Watch: Mark McGowan Phase 5 COVID-19 Update

Feature image: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

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