The Chief Health Officer has advised that Phase Four of the COVID-19 roadmap should be extended, but will now allow exemptions to the two-square-metre rule at selected venues.
From this Saturday (24 October) selected venues that predominantly hold seated events will be exempt from the two-square-metre rule, and will be permitted to reach up to 60 per cent of their usual maximum capacity for seated and ticketed performances.
Venues that are now exempt include theatres, concert halls, auditoriums, amphitheatres, cinemas, comedy lounges and performing arts centres.
These venues are deemed ‘low risk’ as they are seated and ticketed.
Minister for Health, Roger Cook said the adjustment would provide these venues and industries with the opportunity to function in a COVID-safe way, without being disproportionally impacted by the two-square-metre rule.
“Western Australia remains highly susceptible to a major outbreak, given nearly all physical distancing and gathering restrictions have been removed,” Mr Cook said.
“The reintroduction of COVID-19 back into the community could lead to an outbreak that would likely result in new restrictions being imposed.”
He said no new tentative date has been set for Phase Five.
“The State Government will continue to review up-to-date health advice and provide an updated roadmap when the health advice allows,” the Minister said.
“We recognise that the two-square-metre rule does act as an impediment to some other sectors which remain at a higher risk due to the close proximity and mixing of patrons within indoor spaces.”
He said these restrictions would be constantly under review to determine if COVID-safe solutions would be possible in the future.
