Coronavirus And Easter In WA – What You Can And Can’t Do

Besides the on-going test of just living daily life, staying afloat financially and securing toilet paper, WA faces its biggest challenge yet this Easter long weekend.

And this to try and maintain the status quo that has seen Australia do relatively well to “flatten the curve” and help slow the spread of coronavirus.

In recent days news has been positive in the sense that what we’ve been doing in terms of social distancing, self-isolating etc. seems to be working (for now).

But that messaging has come with a very serious warning – keep it up or things will go pear-shaped very quickly.

And so we head into an Easter long weekend that in the past has normally been defined by holiday escapes and family gatherings spent with loved ones.

This Easter however the WA government is asking – nay, telling – you to stay home and stay isolated to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

WA’s current COVID-19 rules mean we’re under “strong guidance” to isolate at home unless you really need to leave the house (shopping, health care).

Exercise in the form of walks around the park (in close proximity to home) are okay, as long as you continue adhering to physical distance measures.

It’s a fairly simple message, but no doubt you’ve still got plenty of questions as to what you actually can or can’t do.

We’re here to help, and have collated as much official info we can find to lay it out for you as simply as possible:

The Beach

Now is not the time to grab an umbrella and park up on the sand for the day. If you must go, head down for a quick swim (away from people), and leave.

Camping

As of Wednesday 8 April all WA campsites have been closed.

Travel Outside Of WA

The borders are closed to non-essential travel (more info on that HERE).

Travel Within WA

Along with our state borders being closed to non-essential travel, WA itself is now divided up into NINE regions. You’re not allowed to travel between those regions without an exemption (more info on exemptions HERE) – for example, you can only visit family in other regions if it’s for caring reasons.

Family Gatherings

Immediate families are exempt from the two-person gathering limits, however physical distancing should be practiced as best as possible, and large family gatherings avoided.

Friend Gatherings

Strict two-person gathering limits still apply, so you can have one friend visit if you are living alone.

Walks/Hikes

Going outside for fresh air and a walk around your neighbourhood is ok, but now’s not the time to find that hiking trail a few hours away you’ve always wanted to do. National parks are open, but again you’re asked to give them a miss for now.

Shopping

Supermarkets are closed on Good Friday, but open every other day of the long weekend. Be prepared for it to be busy if you’re heading to the majors like Coles and Woolies, and you may have to queue to get in.

Church

Churches are closed to the public.

Holiday Homes

There is no concrete rule on holiday homes, although they do not fall under one of the intrastate travel exemptions. So if you have to leave your region, you won’t be able to go to your holiday home.

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Essentially the message is: keep doing what you’ve been doing – stay home, stay safe and stay apart.

For all the latest information regarding COVID-19 in WA, head to the WA Government WEBSITE.