Western Australia’s mask mandate for all indoor public settings will be lifted from 6pm today, Friday January 7, with masks to only be required in higher risk or vulnerable environments.
Mask wearing will be required in hospitals, aged care and disability care, and on public transport, in taxis and rideshare vehicles.
Existing proof of vaccination requirements for venues and events will remain in place including:
- nightclubs;
- music festivals and major events (above 500 people);
- pubs, taverns, hotels (hospitality) and Special Facility Licenses with a capacity of more than 500 people or these specific licensed venues that trade after midnight;
- events with an Occasional Liquor Licence; and
- the Crown gaming floor.
People will continue to be required to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination, either in a digital or paper-based form, along with approved identification.
Both venues and patrons have a shared responsibility regarding proof of vaccination, with venues required to take reasonable steps to ensure all patrons are double vaccinated, unless exempt. Visit https://www.wa.gov.au for information on providing proof of vaccination.
The State Government will be launching a new mobile app next week to integrate proof of vaccination with SafeWA check-ins and provide a safe, secure and convenient option for patrons and businesses.
The State Government will continue to regularly review these public health measures, based on the latest health advice.
Anyone who has been to an exposure site is urged to follow the public health advice including getting tested immediately or monitoring for symptoms.
Visit the exposure sites list online at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-coronavirus-locations-visited-confirmed-cases and check it regularly, with additional sites being added regularly.
Getting tested is quick, easy and free. More information is available at https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/covidclinics including clinic locations.
Western Australians are urged to continue using SafeWA or registering their contact details at businesses and venues where contact registers are mandatory.
Travel to remote Aboriginal communities remain restricted.
For more information on transitional public health measures, visit https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Acting Premier Roger Cook:
“I’d like to thank all Western Australians for listening to the health advice and doing what was needed to be done over the past few weeks.
“We are able to cautiously ease these mask mandates because of the proof of vaccination requirements that are now in place for higher risk venues and events such as nightclubs, larger venues, music festivals and major events.
“This requirement means that everyone in attendance or at work in these settings is safer.
“We will continue to require masks in high risk and vulnerable settings, based on the latest public health advice, as an extra precaution.
“While it is fantastic to be in a position to safely ease mask wearing requirements tonight, we are not out of the woods yet.
“We still need people to do the right thing. When you go out tonight or over the weekend, check in with SafeWA, have your proof of vaccination ready, and if you are sick don’t go out at all.
“Please keep monitoring the exposure sites and follow the advice, including getting tested if required.
“And most importantly – get vaccinated. There are still appointments available, not just for third doses, but for paediatric doses for children aged five to 11.
“We will continue to regularly review our public health measures, based on the latest health advice, to keep WA safe.”
