As COVID-19 cases continue to decline, the WA health system will transition all public hospitals to a new phase of its COVID-19 response.
These changes will free up frontline staff to return to clinical duties and increase visitor access for community members.
The new rules come into effect on Monday, 15 August and are outlined below.
Visitors to hospitals
- Visiting hours will be extended – these will vary between hospitals. Essential visitors may visit outside standard hours.
- The two visitor per patient rule still applies. This may be extended in certain circumstances by authorised hospital staff.
- People with symptoms are not permitted to enter public hospitals. Exceptions may be made on compassionate grounds.
Testing
- Visitors with no symptoms will not have to show a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), unless they are visiting vulnerable patients or cohorts. High-risk areas are determined by medical experts.
- Patients with symptoms who present to the emergency department or are admitted for elective surgery will still need to do a RAT.
Masks
- Surgical masks still need to be worn by visitors or carers aged 12 years and over.
- Staff working or caring for vulnerable patients or cohorts must wear a Particulate Filter Respirator mask.
- All other hospital staff must wear a surgical mask. More information for staff will be provided by local health service providers.
