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Western Australia will soon be able to welcome any interstate traveller and New Zealand arrivals from 19 April as the state moves to drop border restrictions.
New advice from the state's health officials means Queensland and New Zealand will be designated as "very low risk" jurisdictions from 19 April.
This means the rest of Australia and our neighbours across the ditch will be able to travel to WA without having to complete two weeks of self-quarantine on arrival.
WA Premier Mark McGowan says the COVID-19 situation in his state is "very encouraging", allowing for border restrictions to be eased.
"Our situation in WA is very encouraging and if it continues to track the way it is, it will demonstrate good reason for further changes - pending public health advice at the time," says McGowan.
"While these changes are very positive, Western Australians should not underestimate the virus and its ability to disrupt and destroy lives and livelihoods.
"It was less than two weeks ago that Queensland went into a snap three-day lockdown following an outbreak, and while our border arrangements allow for safe travel it is also a fast and effective measure to stop the virus. That is why I will not hesitate to bring back hard borders should we need to protect Western Australians from COVID-19."
Travellers will still be expected to register for a border permit before travelling into WA and must consent to a health screening at Perth Airport.
WA stadiums moving to 100 per cent capacity from tomorrow
At midnight tonight major venues in WA like Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, HBF Stadium and HBF Park will be allowed to fill 100 per cent of the fixed seating capacity for events.
In addition, indoor and outdoor venues with fixed seating in WA will be premitted to operate at 100 per cent capacity.
Seated hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, food courts and bars that provide seated service only, will remain at 75 per cent capacity. This is based on the latest public health advice, due to their higher risk of increased mixing and face to face interactions.
The two square metre rule will continue to apply to all other venues and facilities with a mixture of seating and standing, unfixed seating or standing alone.
It is expected these arrangements will be in place for at least a month before being reviewed by WA's Chief Health Officer, and if the situation remains encouraging, the Chief Health Officer is set to make more recommendations on further easing of restrictions.
"While these changes are welcomed and will be enjoyed by our community, it's also a timely reminder that we must continue to practise COVID-safe principles," says WA Health Minister Roger Cook.
"Whenever you're out and about, please remember to check-in at venues using the SafeWA app and remember to stay at home if unwell.
"Western Australians have done a remarkable job to eliminate COVID-19 and I thank everyone for their efforts."
Updated at 4.21pm AEST on 9 April 2021.
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