Western australia coronavirus restrictions everything you can cant do explainer 20200518 p5xsb7.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Advertisement
Advertisement
This was published 6 years ago

WA eases lockdown restrictions: Everything you can and can't do from today

Olivana Smith-Lathouris

Powered by

From today, Western Australia is relaxing a number of lockdown restrictions as the state moves toward phase three of the COVID-19 recovery plan.

The easing of restrictions will see larger numbers of people allowed to visit each other and dine in at their local restaurants and cafes.

Here is a breakdown of what you can and can't do in WA as of May 18.

Advertisement
People are seen at Scarborough Beach in Perth.

People are seen at Scarborough Beach in Perth. AAP

Can I go to the pub or local restaurant?

Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to open dine-in services for up to 20 patrons, provided they adhere to the four square metre density rule.

From today, some pubs will be opening however in order to accommodate restrictions on the number of people allowed to be seated, those wanting to sit and have a beer will also have to order a meal.

Many venues say the 20-person limit prevents them from doing a viable trade and are opting to remain closed until restrictions ease further.

Night clubs will remain closed until restrictions are eased further.

Border restrictions - Can I travel within WA? Can I travel to regional WA?

The number of regional borders has been cut from nine to four, allowing Perth residents to holiday down south but still quarantining more vulnerable areas in the state's north.

Advertisement

Travel exemptions will be required to travel between these 4 areas.

READ MORE: Live updates on the coronavirus pandemic

A general view of Perth CBD on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. On Monday, coronavirus restrictions are to be eased in Western Australia with public gatherings of up to 20 people allowed and dine-in meals permitted in venues under strict conditions. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) NO ARCHIVING AAP

Exemptions apply for:

Advertisement
Advertisement
  • people travelling to work
  • attending medical appointments
  • transporting freight
  • those who do not have access to groceries or supplies within their region
  • returning to a place of residence
  • attending school or an educational institution where necessary
  • caring for family members
  • compassionate grounds

More than 800,000 people have been stopped at regional checkpoints since April 1 with just 1.7 per cent of total vehicles denied entry.

Police will continue to patrol the borders and retain some static checkpoints.

While the State Government has announced easing of restrictions for some regional travel, Rottnest Island will continue to remain closed to overnight guests, day visitors and boaters for the foreseeable future until phase three of the reopening plan is put into action.

Advertisement

How many people can I have over my home?

House parties and backyard barbecues with up to 20 guests are now okay, provided people stay 1.5 metres apart.

Can I get my nails done?

Beauty salons including nail, hair and tanning salons are still closed to customers for their normal services.

Advertisement
Advertisement

However, in a bid to assist businesses stay afloat in difficult times, beauty salons are permitted to open as retail stores, selling products to customers until there are able to resume normal services.

Police officers patrol Cottesloe Beach on April 10, 2020 in Perth, Australia.  Getty

Which community facilities will be open?

Churches, libraries and other community facilities can open, but again, capacity is capped at 20.

Advertisement

Gyms will remain closed until further notice with the government encouraging people to enjoy outdoor exercise instead.

Playgrounds are still off limits to the public.

Can I go camping?

Members of the public gather in Kings Park in Perth. AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

Advertisement
Advertisement

Due to easing travel restrictions within WA, people will have more access to camping sites around the state.

As some intrastate border closures remain in place, people will only be able to visit and camp within their regional boundaries. People will not be able to cross regional boundaries to go camping.

email icon

Contact us

Share a tip-off, video or photo with us

Most viewed in Australia

More to explore