WA's COVID-19 state of emergency to end

Western Australia's state of emergency is set to come to an end.

After 963 days, the declaration will cease on Friday, November 4 and will not be renewed.

The state of emergency has allowed the government to enforce mask-wearing, lockdowns and border closures.

Premier Mark McGowan said the State's strong health outcomes mean WA is well placed to move into the next stage of the pandemic.

“The past two and a half years have been unprecedented - however what Western Australians showed was we can get through it no matter how difficult, and land some outstanding achievements along the way," Mr McGowan said.

“Our health and economic outcomes are testament to what Western Australians achieved together in the face of adversity - a once-in-one-hundred-year pandemic. 

“Our high vaccination rates and the way we managed the pandemic through public health measures, border controls and strong testing and isolation regimes meant we significantly reduced hospitalisations, ICU admittances, deaths and the severity of COVID in the community. 

“However, COVID remains in the community and the best way we can all help manage it is by following the most basic but vital public health advice like staying home when you’re unwell, wearing a mask as you need, getting tested and keeping up normal hygiene practices.”

New legislation was passed last month that could see a ‘Temporary COVID-19 Declaration’ introduced if the virus escalates.

The backup law will allow the State Emergency Coordinator to reintroduce isolation requirements, travel restrictions to remote communities, mask wearing and cruise ship protocols.

The State Government has also announced it will commission an independent review of WA’s response and management of the COVID-19 pandemic.