WA To Ease Venue Restrictions This Weekend; Date Set For All COVID Rules To End

WA live music venues and concert halls will be able host "unseated performances" from this weekend as part of the State Government's Phase 4 in easing COVID restrictions. 

Speaking at a press conference today, Premier Mark McGowan confirmed that Phase 4 will commence this Saturday (27 June), which also includes limits removed for all gatherings, food and drink service for standing patrons and venues including Optus Stadium, HBF Park and RAC Arena being allowed to host 50% of their respective capacities.

"West Australians will hold the largest crowds in the country by far," McGowan said.

In line with expert health advice, Phase 4 of eased restrictions in Western Australia will commence this Saturday 27 June. pic.twitter.com/dU0MsKq3Wu

— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) June 22, 2020

Though "large scale, multi-stage festivals" are still not allowed to run, concert halls, live music venues, bars and pubs can be back in action from Saturday without patron registration being required.

Phase 4 will be in place for three weeks before Phase 5 is introduced on Saturday 18 July, which will see the removal of the two square metre rule.

“All things going well, Phase 5 will mean removal of the 2sqm rule across our state,” McGowan said.

“We will also remove all other gathering restrictions and the 50 per cent capacity rule for major events.

“That means under Phase 5 our major venues can accommodate full capacity and all kinds of major events can take place.”

Phase 6, which is yet to be given a date, would see WA's borders be re-opened.

The news comes after Victoria's State Of Emergency was been extended until 11.59pm on 19 July following a spike in COVID-19 cases across the weekend.