Masks off as restrictions ease further in Western Australia

One state has announced a major change to its coronavirus restrictions, including where people need to wear masks.

The Perth and Peel regions will entirely return to pre-lockdown life this weekend, including ditching face masks, after successfully “crushing” COVID-19.

Western Australia has not had any new local cases since May 1 after a hotel security guard and two of his housemates tested positive.

Premier Mark McGowan said that meant the coronavirus restrictions would be lifted from 12.01am on Saturday, pending no further cases.

Masks will come off this weekend. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Philip Gostelow

It means masks will only be required at the airport, which is a national rule.

There will be no capacity limits for funerals and weddings, and gatherings at homes will no longer be limited either.

Restrictions on the number of people visiting aged care facilities and hospitals will also be lifted.

Stadiums will return to 100 per cent capacity too.

“This is fantastic news for our community, businesses and the state’s economy,” Mr McGowan told reporters on Thursday.

“The return to pre-lockdown life is only possible because of the collective effort of all West Australians.”

Mr McGowan said the situation would be reviewed again in one month, then the state could possibly transition to remove the remaining restrictions and adjust to a new phase five.

But he warned people should not be complacent.

“The pandemic is not over yet and won’t be for some time, but we have the systems in place to manage it,” he said.