Western Australia enters 'new era' of COVID-19 pandemic as border reopens after almost 700 days

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan says the state has entered a "new era of the pandemic" today as borders finally reopened to the rest of the country.

On the first day of its reopening, WA recorded 2423 new cases of COVID-19, with 2420 of those from local infections, and one death.

Hospitalisations have grown to 22 patients, an increase of six people since yesterday.

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"Today is a big day for Western Australia and the rest of Australia as we enter a new era of the pandemic," Mr McGowan said.

"As of last night, the hard border controls have come to an end.

"We expect we will see a lot of big hugs and happy tears."

Since April 5, 2020, WA has been closed to much of the rest of the nation after the premier created hard border restrictions because of COVID-19.

Mr McGowan today said the state had "avoided needless death" due to its controversial hard border measures.

"We didn't want to deliberately infect our state. I didn't want to do that," he said.

"The border has worked. Our economy has grown strongly."

He warned the state's new chapter would not be without challenges.

"While the next two weeks will contain the toughest challenge we have faced, better times are ahead," Mr McGowan said.

With its hard border ending, the state's "Wander Out Yonder" tourism campaign will kick off across eastern states tomorrow, enticing holidaymakers in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria to travel to WA.

Tears of joy as loved ones reunite

Emotional reunions were seen at Perth Airport as WA finally reopened its borders after being closed to most of the country for 696 long days.

The first flight to touch down after midnight was a Qantas plane from Sydney.

There were tears of joy as travellers reunited with loved ones after months and years apart.

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About 5000 people are expected to arrive in WA today, with 28,000 set to flood in over the next few days.

"I have goosebumps down my whole body," a woman told 9News as she embraced her family.

"I can't even put into words how it feels to be back in my home after three years of trying to make this moment happen."

Triple-vaccinated Australians with a completed G2G border pass can go to WA after the gates were thrown open at midnight (3am AEDT).

They must take a rapid test on arrival.

Vaccinated people flying in from overseas can now also land in Perth without having to do hotel quarantine.

Mr McGowan admitted in a Facebook post the harsh border closure "was not without cost".

"I personally am aware of that impact, as my mum and dad live in New South Wales," he said.

"I understand what it means to be disconnected from family, I know how hard it can be.

"Just as the Commonwealth shut Australia's international borders, WA became the island within an island.

"And it worked. By only allowing travel with jurisdictions that were free from COVID-19, we could remain COVID-free ourselves.

"We avoided long, debilitating lockdowns and we achieved some of the best health and economic results in the world."

"We avoided needless deaths."

Many people reuniting would not have seen each other for two years, though people in virus-free states were allowed to visit at some points of 2020 and 2021 before the borders slammed shut again.

The first people arriving into Perth will be given tourism vouchers as a bonus.

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With the border reopening, Mr McGowan has put strict restrictions in place.

After having no cases for months, the state is now recording well over 1000 a day, but hospitalisations remain very low.

The rules include mask-wearing inside for adults and children in year three and above, home gatherings limited to 10 people and 50 per cent capacity for venues such as theatres and sports stadiums.

Businesses impacted

Mr McGowan acknowledged the harsh restrictions would make it difficult for many West Australian businesses.

"I know it doesn't make it easy for a number of people and businesses and for that I am sorry," he said.

To help minimise the strain on businesses, Mr McGowan said he is introducing a $72 million support package.

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Grants ranging from $3000 for sole traders to $50,000 for medium-sized businesses with more than 20 employees will be available.

To be eligible, businesses will have to prove their turnover is down by at least 50 per cent compared to the same four-week period last year.

Elaine Ashurst from the Sayers Café in Leederville, near Perth's CBD, told 9News she won't qualify for the grants.

"It's soul-destroying," Ms Ashurst said.

"If you were 50 per cent down you'd be shut because your rent hasn't been reduced by 50 per cent, your costs certainly haven't been reduced by 50 per cent."

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Ms Ashurst said her family-run business already began struggling in early 2021 due to the snap lockdown and restrictions.

"I sometimes feel that the announcements come out so that the general public think people are being looked after but we're not," Ms Ashurst said.

Hospitals prepare for borders to reopen

Hospitals in WA are on red alert in preparation for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases as the border reopens.

As a result, many category two and three elective surgeries have been called off from mid-March.

A special COVID-19 ward has been opened in Perth.