Premier Mark McGowan has announced a relaxation of the two-person limit on indoor and outdoor gatherings.
From Monday, indoor and outdoor non work gatherings will be relaxed to 10 people, Mr McGowan said.
The number of people allowed at weddings has increased to 10, the same as funerals.
Home opens and display village openings will be permitted, under strict controls and hygiene practices.
The new 10-person rule aligns WA with SA, but all outdoor playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gym equipment will remain closed.
The public will have to continue practise social distancing and stay home, except for shopping for what they needed, medical or health care needs, exercise (including outdoor personal training), training or university study, childcare or schools and work.
“Non-contact recreational activities” are also allowed, including private picnics in the park, fishing, boating, hiking and camping. All activities must be in compliance with travel restrictions and the 10-person rule.
The two-person rule was implemented on March 30 for a month and with the intention to be reviewed fortnightly.
If a single household has more than 10 people, that household remains exempt from this new rule.
Mr McGowan said the figures were very encouraging but no one should get complacent.
He saaid the easing of restrictions were based on health advice and would continue to be methodical and cautious.
The Premier said WA’s borders would remain shut for a long period of time and the changes announced today were low risk but deliver great social benefits.
Health Minister Roger Cook said WA recorded zero new cases of coronavirus overnight.
He said there were just 55 active cases across the State, with none in the Kimberley.
There are 16 COVID cases in hospitals, including four in intensive care.
Mr Cook said the easing of restrictions were made possible by West Australians practising social distancing and staying home when unwell.
To stay on top of the disease, he encouraged the public to keep up the practices and to get tested if they feel unwell.
Mr McGowan said the relaxation of the rules was a reward for West Australians who had helped to flatten the curve, but he warned the public must follow the new rules.
He said the changes would help families to see their older relatives.
Mr McGowan said playgrounds would remain closed because authorities were unable to ensure they were kept clean.
Restaurants, cafes, food vans, food courts and roadhouses remain restricted to take-away and home delivery.
Master Builders Association of WA said the easing of restrictions on display homes and villages was a welcome boost to the industry.
“The restrictions due to Covid-19 have had a profound effect on the industry with display home traffic grinding to a halt, so we are pleased the State Government has eased these restrictions to assist consumers and also the residential housing industry which remains operational during this time,” executive director John Gelavis said.
“A recent survey of members completed by Master Builders indicated that from over 70 per cent of respondents noted on average a 40 per cent decline in their pipeline of work, so now is great time to ease these restrictions, encouraging those considering buying home back to display villages and display homes in WA, which will lead to more homes being built.”
House Industry Association WA boss Cath Hart added: “Today’s announcement effectively re-opens the front door of WA’s residential building sector.
“We understand that with opportunity comes responsibility, so we will be ensuring display homes adhere to guidelines to keep consumers and our workforce safe.”
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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMikQFodHRwczovL3RoZXdlc3QuY29tLmF1L25ld3MvY29yb25hdmlydXMvY29yb25hdmlydXMtY3Jpc2lzLXdhLXRvLWNhdXRpb3VzbHktcmVsYXgtY292aWQtMTktcmVzdHJpY3Rpb25zLWFsbG93LTEwLXBlcnNvbi1nYXRoZXJpbmdzLW5nLWI4ODE1MzAzMTh60gEA?oc=5
2020-04-26 06:37:35Z
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