Masks up, apps ready: Raft of new rules for Great Southern as region enters next phase of pandemic

The Great Southern has entered a new phase of the COVID pandemic with the WA Government’s mask mandate and proof-of-vaccination laws in full swing.

The region’s restriction-free run came to an abrupt end on Thursday when Premier Mark McGowan announced masks rules would be extended to the Great Southern and Wheatbelt after a Cunderdin resident tested positive to COVID on Wednesday.

By Friday, the Wheatbelt cluster had grown to three, with one new infection in Cunderdin and another in Goomalling.

But as of Monday afternoon, there were still no confirmed cases in the Great Southern.

Great Southern locals must now mask up at all public indoor venues, including workplaces, in all vehicles except if travelling alone or with a member of the same household, in residential aged or disability care facilities and at hospitals.

Anyone who has been in the Wheatbelt or Great Southern since January 20 must also follow the rules.

Children aged 12 and under are not required to wear a mask, along with people with approved medical exemptions.

The first day back at school for 2022 looked a bit different this year with secondary students required to wear masks.

While it is not yet compulsory for primary school students, Year 3s and above will have to wear masks if COVID-19 cases increase significantly.

Streams of shoppers poured into stores across Albany on Thursday afternoon as locals scrambled to secure a mask ready for when the clock struck 6pm.

Pharmacies were forced to slap buying limits on disposable masks with shelves stripped bare by the time the mandate came into effect.

Dog Rock Chemist manager Kristy Pollett said as soon as the news broke the store was “frantic”.

“Basically our customer numbers pretty much doubled from that time until close for our normal trade day and it was pretty much just mask sales,” she said.

“We didn’t sell out but we were pretty close to it — it was just manic.”

On Friday, City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the community had so far made a smooth transition to the new mask rules.

“There are some people that are going to struggle and there are some people that are going to need a bit of help,” he said.

“It is a matter of doing what we can to help everyone get through it.”

Eclipse Taxis owner Arda Sloan said the public had been understanding of the new mask requirements.

“Drivers and passengers have to wear masks inside taxis,” Ms Sloan said.

“If they are not prepared to wear a mask unfortunately they won’t be able to jump in the cab.

“Our customers have been good so far, we’ve had no bad experiences at all.”

Monday marked another major change for regional residents with people aged 16 and over required to show evidence they have been double-vaccinated to enter a swathe of public places including hospitality venues, bottle shops, nightclubs, cinemas, gyms, public transport, taxis, residential aged care and hospitals.

The proof-of-vaccination requirements do not include roadhouses, petrol stations and non-alcoholic takeaway.

Staff at these venues who did not previously fall under the WA Government’s mandatory vaccination policy needed to be single-dose vaccinated by Monday to continue working, unless they had an approved medical exemption.

Their double-vaccination deadline is February 28.

The onus of policing proof of vaccination has fallen on the shoulders of the venues’ staff, who according to the WA Government, must ensure each patron provides evidence of their vaccination status and “take reasonable steps” to ensure those who do not show evidence do not enter the premises.

Many Albany and Denmark hospitality venues took to social media over the weekend pleading with punters for kindness as they adjust to the new rules.

Some venues will continue to serve non-vaccinated customers via takeaway with others choosing to opt for takeaway only.

Shadow treasurer Steve Thomas on Monday slammed the State Government’s monitoring and compliance of the new rules as a “farce”.

“The reality is that many unvaccinated people will be going to work and trying to visit business premises tomorrow in flagrant disregard of the Government’s rules, which has been left to business to police themselves,” he said.

“This lack of management is compounding the lack of clarity and certainty business is already struggling with as the Government flip-flops on the rules and trickles out changes at the Premier’s whim.”

Great Southern Police Acting Superintendent Paul McMurtrie urged people to show “restraint, humility and respect” to local businesses enforcing the new rules.

“The majority of the Great Southern community have showed great compliance and are adhering to directions,” he said.

“From the get go with COVID the WA Police force have policed this issue with compassion and we’d certainly prefer to hand out masks than infringe people for breaching the directions.

“It’s a difficult period for everyone but please comply and show some humility and respect to those people working in those premises.”

Supt McMurtrie’s message comes after a man was arrested in Denmark on Friday after verbally abusing staff for being asked to wear a mask in a supermarket.

From Monday, anyone who “threatens”, “intimidates” or is “offensive” towards businesses who ask for proof of vaccination could be jailed for a year or fined up to $50,000.

Businesses which fail to comply with the vaccine passport scheme could be fined up to $250,000.

Great Southern Police Acting Inspector Hugh Letessier said police would get involved if the situation becomes antisocial or worse.

“The onus is on the individual to do the right thing and comply with the law,” he said.

“It’s no different to laws around speeding, the vast majority of road users comply with speed restrictions and comply with the law and that’s the expectation here with these directions.

“Police will always look to deal with elements of unruly behaviour, of antisocial behaviour and threatening and intimidating behaviour.

“If there are people acting in an antisocial and threatening or even worse physically assaulting people they will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

At Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, all visitors aged 16 and over entering to attend the gym, group fitness and seated cafe area are required to show proof of vaccination or a medical exemption with photo ID.

Proof of vaccination will not be required when entering the pool area or the indoor sports courts.

City of Albany executive director community services Nathan Watson said the City was trying to implement the mandates as smoothly as possible.

“We understand COVID is causing uncertainty for people and there will be some frustration with these new requirements, but we ask that everyone is polite and patient as our staff support them through this process,” he said.

“Protecting the health and safety of our community is essential. ALAC visitors have been very co-operative and we thank them for their understanding and following the directions.”