Last updated: 30 September at 3pm
Baseline public health and social measures
From Friday 14 October, COVID-19 mandatory isolation requirements will be removed. All Western Australians are strongly encouraged to stay home if unwell.
This change was agreed to at National Cabinet and more information will be made available ahead of the changes taking place.
Based on the latest health advice, some public health and social measures apply throughout Western Australia to help safely manage COVID-19 in the community and keep Western Australians safe.
There is an increase of COVID-19 cases and new subvariants in the WA community, meaning there are more chances of infection and reinfection is now more likely for people who have had COVID-19. It’s important to understand the health measures in place to keep everyone safe.
Click on the icons below to find out what public health and social measures are in place.
Wear a mask as required
Proof of vaccination
COVID Events and Safety Plans
Hospitals and aged care
Travel to remote Aboriginal communities
Baseline public health and social measures frequently asked questions are available.
Masks
Mask-wearing is encouraged in crowded indoor settings and where physical distancing is not possible.
Mask-wearing is required for people aged 12 years and older in the following high-risk settings:
- Hospitals and health care settings including:
- GPs
- Aboriginal health services
- Dental and optical health clinics
- Allied health services such as physiotherapy, radiology and occupational therapy services
- Aged care facilities, residential care facilities including disability service facilities and mental health residential facilities
- Correctional facilities
Mask use is recommended in indoor settings for cases and close contacts for two days after completion of isolation (Days 6 and 7).
The usual exemptions from mask requirements apply.
You can find out more about mask rules in Western Australia and the different types of face masks.
Proof of vaccination
Showing proof of vaccination is not required when entering venues and businesses.
Showing proof of vaccination is required to enter hospitals and residential aged care facilities (exemptions apply).
Find out more about getting proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations.
Hospitals
Visitors to hospitals are limited to the following:
Essential visitors
An ‘essential visitor’ includes someone who is:
- a parent or guardian of a child
- a parent or guardian of a person with complex needs or a person with a disability
- a carer
- a birthing partner
- otherwise present for compassionate or other reasons approved by the hospital.
Essential visitors are permitted to visit during visitor hours and outside visitor hours.
Other visitors
Non-essential visitors are limited to two people during visitor hours. Surgical masks need to be worn by visitors, parents/carers and/or statutory personnel aged 12 years and over.
During visiting hours, patients may have visits from a maximum of two visitors, at the same time, More than two may be permitted in certain circumstances. People with symptoms are not permitted to enter public hospitals, but exceptions may be made on compassionate grounds.
Visitors with no symptoms only have to show a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if they are visiting vulnerable patients.
More information is available in the Department of Health’s COVID-19 Visitor Guidelines.
All visitors to hospitals may be required to show proof of vaccination and wear a mask (unless an exception applies).
Residential aged and disability care facilities
- Individual facilities can determine the number of visitors permitted per resident each day.
- Masks must be worn by staff and visitors, inside and outdoors (unless an exception applies).
- Proof of vaccination is required to enter residential aged care facilities but not for residential disability care facilities.
Travel to WA
Travel into WA from interstate and international travel is permitted.
See Travel to WA for more information.
Restrictions to travel to remote Aboriginal communities
While restrictions on accessing remote Aboriginal communities have lifted, some communities may still decide to enforce their own restrictions on people entering.
Check the Remote Aboriginal communities travel page for more information.
COVID Safety and Event Plans
COVID Safety Plans and Guidelines and COVID Event Plans, Checklists and Guidelines help ensure businesses actively mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and reduce its potential risk and spread, in line with the best available health advice.
Businesses are encouraged to complete COVID Safety and Event Plans and review and update them as necessary.
Managing COVID-19 and staying safe
It is important to continue to stay up to date with your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, continue to practise healthy hygiene and wear a mask when required.
Information and advice is available to help manage COVID-19 at home and at work.
If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms (external link), get tested immediately and follow the relevant testing and isolation guide.
