Western Australia’s COVID-19 state of emergency has come to an end as the country braces for a new wave of infections.
WA’s emergency powers expired overnight after more than two and a half years.
They had been used by the McGowan government to take drastic measures earlier in the pandemic, including declaring border closures.
In a surprise move, the government has opted not to immediately enact replacement powers rushed through the Labor-controlled parliament last month.
The temporary COVID-19 declarations can be used to enforce mask-wearing and isolation requirements but do not allow for interstate travel bans.
Premier Mark McGowan has said the measures will only be activated when necessary but could be triggered by a spike in infections or the emergence of new variants….