WALGA

Mask mandate extended to the South West

Masks are now required to be worn indoors in the South West Region.

The COVID Restrictions (Gatherings and Related measures) Directions (No 8) requires masks to be worn in all indoor public settings, including Local Government facilities (e.g. offices, libraries and recreation centres), unless specific exemptions apply.

These requirements also apply to anyone who has been in the South West since Wednesday, 12 January, when a previously reported positive COVID-19 case was infectious in the community.

This public health rule is in addition to the mask-wearing requirement currently in place for Perth and Peel, which requires people who have been in Perth or Peel since Thursday, 6 January to wear a mask in other regions.

The Directions are available here.

Expected Government Direction – Vaccination Requirements

WALGA attended a Department of Premier and Cabinet COVID-19 Stakeholder Roundtable today, which provided additional information about expanded proof of vaccination requirements commencing on Monday, 31 January.

It is intended that all staff working in facilities covered by a proof of vaccination requirement will also be required to be vaccinated, with a first dose required by 31 January 2022 and second dose by 28 February 2022. The Department advised that this requirement will be included in the relevant Directions.

It is anticipated the requirement would also cover the staff working at those sites covered by the existing proof of vaccination requirements such as events and hospitality venues.

The issue of differing requirements within multiple use facilities, such Recreation Centres, was raised. The Department confirmed that proof of vaccination will only be required if people are accessing the specific part of the facility covered by the proof of vaccination requirement.

For example, proof of vaccination is not required to enter a Recreation Centre, but is required to enter a gym within the recreation centre. WALGA understands there is significant sector concern regarding the complexity involved in operationalising this direction and is continuing to advocate on this issue.