By Josh Zimmerman, PerthNow
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has announced WA’s COVID state of emergency will end on November 4 — 963 days after the declaration was first made.
WA’s rolling state of emergency has been renewed every fortnight since it was first declared on March 16, 2020.
The decision marks a major milestone in WA’s journey through the pandemic, with Mr McGowan saying the Government was confident the virus could now be safely managed in the community.
Legislation allowing the Police Commissioner to make a temporary COVID-19 declaration — and enact practically all of the same powers available to him under the state of emergency, besides the ability to shut State borders — was gazetted on Friday.
However, Mr McGowan said current health advice suggested there was no need for a temporary COVID-19 declaration and that the measure would only be used if “absolutely necessary”.
The Public Health State of Emergency – under the Public Health Act – will also be revoked on November 4.
The changes mean the bulk of the State’s remaining COVID measures fall away from Friday, including the requirement for people who have tested positive to the virus to isolate for a minimum of five days.
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