Western Australia's premier revealed when the state's borders will open, ending months of speculation and frustration for locked-out families.
At a press conference on Monday, Mark McGowan announced WA's border will open at 12.01am on February 5, 2022.
"This date is locked in giving WA residents certainty," Mr McGowan said.
"Many have family abroad they have been unable to see for two years - I'm sure this date will be a cause of relief.
"The health advice is clear we can safely ease our border controls and reconnect WA."
WA's double dose vaccination rate has reached 80 per cent today and it's anticipated the vaccination rate will have climbed to 90 per cent by the time the borders reopen.
The first dose vaccination rate has reached 89 per cent.
200,000 more people need to get vaccinated to reach the 90 per cent second dose mark.
From January 10, children that are five and above can get vaccinated.
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When WA opens up on February 5 transitional restrictions will then come into effect, including a requirement to wear face masks in high-risk indoor settings such as public transport, hospitals and aged care facilities.
Proof of vaccination will be required to attend large events with crowds of more than 1000 people as well nightclubs and the casino. Entry to remote Indigenous communities will remain restricted and contact registers will still be used.
Should WA fail to reach its 90 per cent target before the borders reopen, further restrictions will be introduced which could include having to be vaccinated to go to pubs and restaurants.
Under the government's transition plan, interstate and international arrivals will be required to be double dose vaccinated, return a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure and undertake a test on arrival in WA.
International arrivals, if deemed high risk, will have to complete 14 days of quarantine.
The WA government is also launching an app to assist with showing proof of vaccination.
The transition plan will be available online soon.
More to come.
