WA businesses must complete a COVID Safety Plan before reopening their premises from Monday May 18, 2020 to help minimise risk staff and patrons.
All businesses that are reopening or broadening their business model, such as those that were providing takeaway and are expanding to provide a dine-in service must complete a plan.
The purpose of the COVID Safety Plan is to help ensure that businesses actively mitigate the risks of COVID-19, in line with the best available health advice.
In the plan, businesses need to present how they will take steps to implement the requirements and advice set out in these guidelines.
Detailed COVID-19 Safety Guidelines will assist businesses in completing the plans and managing the health and safety of both staff and patrons.
Industry-specific COVID Safety Plans are available for:
- Food businesses, including bars, cafes, restaurants and pubs; and
- Sport and recreation venues, including indoor sports centres, swimming pools, gyms, health clubs and studios that offer yoga, Pilates and dance
Businesses that do not fall within these industry categories should refer to the general COVID Safety Guidelines to complete their COVID Safety Plans.
Mandatory conditions outlined in the COVID Safety Guidelines include:
- Completing a COVID Safety Plan;
- Displaying a COVID Safety Plan Certificate in a prominent location;
- Ensuring a maximum of 20 people per venue, excluding staff;
- Maintaining a strict limit of a minimum 4 square metres per person; and
- Maintaining attendance records of patrons for the purposes of contact tracing.
The WA Government and the community will expect that industry and businesses will do all they can help stop the spread of COVID-19.
By following the new directions, including the COVID Safety Plans, businesses will be able to make a positive contribution to protecting the community while WA moved through this next phase.
COVID Safety Plans must be made available for inspection upon request by an authorised officer.
Where issues may arise with non-compliance authorised officers will work with individual businesses in the first instance to ensure there is no repeat occurrence and to ensure the safety of patrons.
Premises that were not forced to close and have not changed their business format may choose to voluntarily complete a COVID Safety Plan and display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate.
To view the COVID Safety Guidelines, visit wa.gov.au/COVIDsafetyplan.
Premier Mark McGowan said Western Australians have done a good job in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"Businesses and patrons are asked to help play their part in minimising the spread of the virus as we prepare to reopen," he said.
"We know Western Australians are eager to return to their favourite cafés and restaurants and resume participating in sport and recreation.
"The COVID Safety Plans will enable this to happen, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community.
"Western Australians should feel confident and safe as they venture out of their homes and start supporting local businesses again.
"I am pleased WA has been able to lead the way in the re-opening of local businesses in a phased manner which helps keep our community safe."
Small business minister Paul Papalia said businesses need our business.
"Western Australians should start going back to their local cafes for Sunday brunch, back to their local gyms and sport centres for fitness sessions, and back to their local restaurants for an evening meal with friends," he said.
"The COVID Safety Guidelines provide clear requirements for businesses as they re-open, and I am confident these conditions will be met.
"It's been a difficult time for local businesses in WA. I am pleased they will be able to re-open and commence trading again with the confidence of knowing they are keeping their customers safe.
"Businesses will be obligated to collect contact details of patrons for the purpose of contact tracing in the event of an outbreak, so we ask the public to be understanding of those requirements."
