Thousands of people have gathered in the Perth CBD to welcome the New Year despite increased COVID-19 restrictions — including mask-wearing — at the event for the first time.
Key points:
- Hundreds attended a ticketed NYE party that allegedly breached COVID-19 rules
- Two new cases have been linked to the current outbreak
- Protesters were arrested at Perth Cup, where vaccination proof is mandatory
Celebrations were scaled back following a COVID-19 cluster in Perth — sparked by a backpacker who had travelled from Queensland — which meant nightclubs were closed and large-scale events, such as music festivals, were cancelled.
But that did not stop West Australians from going out to celebrate, with crowds gathering in their thousands across multiple fireworks displays, including in the CBD, Rockingham foreshore and Fremantle.
Police arrested 90 people across the state last night while issuing more than 150 move-on notices.
‘Serious’ charges expected after hidden party
Authorities are also investigating a ticketed, private New Year’s Eve event at The George restaurant and bar which they allege breached COVID health and safety guidelines and liquor licensing requirements.
Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said officers had to climb walls to gain entry to the venue in Perth’s CBD, with doors and windows locked shut.
“I am very disappointed at what I’ve been briefed at,” he said.
“I have seen some vision that police took of what was taking place there.”
Body-worn camera footage released by WA Police showed officers unsuccessfully trying to gain access to the venue through the locked front doors, with black curtains covering the glass windows.
Commissioner Dawson said SafeWA QR code posters had been taken down and were found discarded behind the bar, with several hundred people in attendance.
“We will also be alleging patrons not wearing masks, dancing in licensed premises,” he said.
“The entire incident we consider a blatant disregard of liquor licensing requirements, but we’re in the middle of a pandemic. This is a state of emergency.”
He said corporate bodies face fines of up to $250,000 if found guilty of breaching liquor licensing rules and the emergency management act.
“People who run operations like that on licensed premises are now going to be facing very serious charges,” Commissioner Dawson said.
The George is described as “a sophisticated restaurant and bar, featuring lounge & dining areas, private function room and outdoor courtyard” on its Facebook page.
Police are also likely to charge two men, aged 16 and 21, after the pair allegedly scaled a 40-storey crane in Elizabeth Quay, in the Perth CBD.Â
Perth Cup kicks off with vaccination proof required
Meanwhile, thousands flocked to Ascot Racecourse to celebrate the new year, marking the first time a WA event has required patrons to show proof they are double-vaccinated.
The Perth Cup would usually attract between 15,000 and 20,000, but crowds were scaled back because of restrictions introduced in the wake of the current outbreak.
The crowd of up to 8,000 must wear masks outdoors, as well as indoors, and only have food or drink while they are seated.
Police said there had been no issues with compliance of COVID guidelines.
Acting CEO of Perth Racing, Stuart Crockett, said he was impressed by how people had been complying with the rules.
“This is one time where we get to do [this],” he said.
“We are the test, we are the model, hopefully a template will be created from this.”
Two protesters were arrested and charged with obstructing police, after around 150 people demonstrated outside the racecourse.
Another two cases in outbreak
WA has recorded two new local cases of COVID-19 related to the current outbreak.
The two are considered close contacts of another recent case and are staying in hotel quarantine.
The WA health department said additional exposure sites would be announced as they came to hand.
This takes the number of cases related to this outbreak to 16.
There was also a third case reported overnight relating to a returned traveller who is also in quarantine.
Police have also located a man and a woman in Margaret River, one of which they allege is a close contact from the Perth Mess Hall event.
The pair were subject to quarantine directions, and are now both in hotel quarantine.
ACT, Tasmania borders strengthened
The WA government also announced it would strengthen the state’s borders to the ACT and Tasmania in response to outbreaks there.
Travel from both jurisdictions would be considered “high-risk” from Monday.
Permission to enter WA would be limited to a very small group of people.
Travellers from all other states are considered an “extreme risk”, while the Northern Territory is classified as “medium risk”.
Commissioner Dawson refused to speculate whether WA’s planned February 5 reopening date could be delayed because of the new restrictions.
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