This was first published on Friday 27th March here.
New intrastate travel restrictions come into effect from midnight, Tuesday, March 31
Western Australians will not be permitted to leave their regional boundary
Exemptions will apply for reasons including work, to attend medical appointments, and compassionate grounds
The McGowan Government will introduce further restrictions on travel within the State from midnight Tuesday, to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
From midnight Tuesday night (12am Wednesday morning), restrictions will be placed on travel within the entire State of Western Australia.
Western Australians will not be permitted to leave their regional boundary. Police have the power to enforce these restrictions if necessary, and fines of up to $50,000 can be issued.
Exemptions will apply in circumstances including employment purposes; medical or veterinary reasons; delivery of essential services including health or emergency services; people living across regional boundaries, who may not have access to groceries or supplies immediately within their region; transport of goods; compassionate grounds; a family member has primary care responsibilities; for school, TAFE or tertiary study reasons; to escape domestic violence or due to an emergency.
The regional boundaries mirror those of the regional development commissions. Due to their close proximity, the Perth and Peel regions will combine into one region. See map here
Other regions are South-West, Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance, Mid-West, Wheatbelt, Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley.
Additional restrictions to remote Aboriginal communities were announced by the Aboriginal Affairs Minister, to provide extra protection to these vulnerable communities.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"These are extraordinary times, and we have a responsibility to implement extraordinary measures to protect Western Australians, and stop the spread of COVID-19.
"It is absolutely vital that Western Australians abide by these restrictions, to help protect themselves, their family and the wider community.
"This is an important measure that will help us stop the spread.
"We are all in this together. I urge everyone to do their duty as Western Australians, and cease all travel within the State.
"Everyone has a responsibility to do the right thing and we expect all Western Australians to heed the message. However, police will enforce the law to those who choose to ignore it.
"My message to Western Australians is this - stay home, do not travel within WA, and please continue to observed the social distancing rules.
"We have announced this today to give everyone a few days to make their own necessary arrangements and return home."
Premier's office - 6552 5000