WA prepares hospitality for return to business

The path back to reopening cafes, restaurants, venues and bars seems shorter than ever in Western Australia with the announcement of a mandatory COVID-19 hygiene training course.

Once restrictions are lifted the state government will only allow hospitality businesses to reopen if every employee has successfully passed assessment.

Based on state and federal health directives regarding COVID-19, the 'AHA Hospitality & Tourism COVID-19 Hygiene Course' will see employees understand COVID-19 and venue restrictions and learn about how to avoid cross contamination and effective cleaning & sanitising procedures.

The course is two-tiered, with all staff required to successfully complete the first component, and managers and supervisors required to complete the second, more advanced aspect.

Every venue must have a staff member with more advanced accreditation on shift at all times, as the venue's dedicated hygiene officer.

Businesses will also have to display signage that the venue is compliant with all conditions.

Tier 1 of the course is available for completion now via www.hospitalityhygiene.com.

The more advanced second tier will be made available on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

WA Premier Mark McGowan says this course will ensure businesses are prepared for reopening and are safe for customers to visit.

"While we're not there yet, we need to make sure our businesses are prepared," says McGowan.

"This mandatory, specialised course will ensure that every single worker employed at a WA hospitality business has the skills and knowledge to protect themselves, their colleagues and their customers from COVID-19.

"WA has experienced some encouraging results of late because we're doing all we can to combat the virus and this Government will continue to do our best in supporting the local economy as we work towards a recovery."

Western Australia reported just one new confirmed case of COVID-19 today, bringing the state's total to 551.

Updated at 4:47pm AEST on 29 April 2020.