Easing of phase two COVID-19 restrictions

Some local businesses and community services across the Shire will be able to reopen from next week as phase two easing of COVID-19 restrictions are put in place in Western Australia.

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White said she was pleased that the community would be able resume a level of normality given the relaxed rules.

“With no recorded cases of Coronavirus in Ashburton, community members and those who come to our region for work purposes have done incredibly well in stopping the spread of the disease”, acknowledged Councillor White.

“I commend our community for adhering to social distancing and following the guidelines put in place by both State and Federal Governments and urge you to continue to do so f.

“I am pleased to announce we will be reopening our libraries, community and sporting facilities, and customer service focused areas from Monday 18 May.

“This is in line with the advice on increasing community recreation, reopening businesses and helping communities get back on their feet.

“For our customer service areas and libraries a limit of 20 people will be in place with the 4sqm rule applied. Library programming will resume in the coming week as complete risk assessments can be put in place.

“Bookings for Shire facilities will also have to adhere to the maximum of 20 people rule and non-contact sports only and those that do not have shared equipment.

“I am also pleased that hospitality businesses can reopen with seated meals in cafés and restaurants, including pubs and bars, permitted and alcohol to be served with food only.

“Businesses seeking to reopen, including those in hospitality, sports and recreation, community and cultural venues, will need to complete an official COVID Safety Plan.

“Hospitality businesses are also obliged to undertake the AHA Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 hygiene training program, with every staff member employed at the hospitality venue completing the online assessment.

“For more information on phase two for hospitality and small businesses please refer to the WA Government website or contact the Shire’s Environmental Health team on 08 9188 4444.

“It is also pleasing that travel has opened up for Pilbara residents and we can now go between a larger region that is made up the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Pilbara with the exception of the Commonwealth Biosecurity zone and remote communities.

“Also included in this phase of relaxed restrictions is an allowance for social indoor and outdoor gatherings lifted to 20 people including weddings and places of worship, and funerals of up to 30 people outdoors.

“Further easing of restrictions will be assessed in the coming month and phase three of the WA roadmap is expected to unfold mid-June”.

Stay up to date on our website, and through Facebook by following both Shire of Ashburton page and Ashburton Community COVID-19 Info page.

For media information contact:

Alison Lennon, Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton

M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]

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