Following the latest public health advice, mask wearing requirements on all public and passenger transport will be eased from next Friday 9 September.
Mask wearing will still be required for high-risk settings such as hospitals, correctional facilities, residential aged care and disability service facilities to protect the most vulnerable and staff.
Masks are an important measure to reduce transmission, which is why they are still encouraged to be worn in crowded indoor settings where people are unable to physically distance.
In line with National Cabinet’s decisions, effective Friday 9 September, isolation requirements for COVID-19 positive cases and close contacts of COVID-19 positive cases will be reduced from seven days to five days, providing people have no symptoms.
Staff, elective patients and visitors may only enter high risk facilities including hospitals, residential aged care facilities and disability support accommodation facilities if it has been seven days since they were identified as a case or a close contact – to protect the very vulnerable people and staff.
To better protect the community, people should continue to follow health protocols and stay home if unwell and only leave their isolation period once all symptoms have cleared.
Visitation limits will also be eased for residential aged and disability care facilities. From today, these facilities will be able to determine the number of visitors permitted per resident each day. Proof of vaccination will still be required for aged care facilities, in addition to mask wearing at both aged care and disability care facilities.
Testing and isolating early is the most effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19 and through the unique WA Free RAT Program, free RATs can be easily accessed as a quick and effective form of testing. Visit wa.gov.au for more information.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“WA’s smooth transition out of COVID-19 public health measures continues next week.
“Our unique journey and soft landing allows Western Australians to take the next step based on our expert public health advice.
“As the pandemic evolves and we pass some of the worst of COVID-19 the public health measures have also been adjusted accordingly, in a safe and responsible way.
“These changing protocols follow the latest public health advice, however it’s important we all remain vigilant and remember the basic public health behaviours.
“To protect the community Western Australians are reminded to practise healthy hygiene, stay home if they’re unwell, test and isolate early and be cautious – especially when they visit high risk settings.
“Unfortunately, we are not out of this pandemic yet, and if necessary we will reintroduce public health measures if circumstances change in the future.”
