The Department of the Premier and Cabinet has released new COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and Plans.
Under the new arrangements, events that attract more than 500 people that require Local Government approval are to be supported with COVID Event Guidelines and COVID Event Plans to ensure more events are held in Western Australia.
“Similar to the industry-specific COVID Safety Guidelines and Plans first introduced in May, the COVID Event Guidelines and Plans will ensure event organisers play their role in keeping Western Australians safer,” the Department said in a statement.
“They also reduce the potential risk and spread of COVID-19 and give event-goers more confidence to attend and participate.”
The Department said a COVID Event Plan would not be required for events that formed part of the usual business of places for which there was an existing public building approval.
“COVID Event Plans will need to consider and identify public health measures to ensure the safety of patrons including physical distancing requirements, hygiene and cleaning regimes, and staff management,” the Department said.
“As a result of the new system, music festivals could be approved, pending assessment of plans by the Department of Health.”
It said organisers might also need to designate employees as COVID Safety Marshals to ensure the public health measures in the COVID Event Plan were implemented.
“All events will be subject to the provision of a minimum of two-square-metre per person in the areas where patrons are permitted,” the Department said.
“COVID Event Plans will be approved through the relevant Local Government authority. However, if an event is deemed high risk, it may be referred to the Department of Health for a decision by an authorised officer.”
The Department said COVID Event Plans must be approved prior to the event taking place.
“If the risk to public health remains too high, a COVID Event Plan may not be approved and therefore the event will not take place,” it said.
