Waroona was plunged into its third COVID lockdown of the year with some businesses managing better than others

Waroona residents were among those plunged into the third lockdown of the year last week as the State Government rushed to control another COVID outbreak. And while staying at home and adjusting to snap restrictions was second nature to some businesses in the town, other small retailers and venues have felt the financial sting of another week of little income. Streets in the community were empty from midnight last Monday, with all but a few essential workers staying inside until the lockdown was lifted at 12.01am on Saturday. A checkpoint had been set up right outside Waroona to screen travellers attempting to cross the border between the Peel and South West. For Cafe Waroona, the lockdown meant another difficult trading period due to their reliance on travellers and only being able to provide takeaway options to locals. Manager Karen Briar said it hurt the business each time it could not open its doors. “This business relies on about 70 percent travelling so I’ve dropped from 100 per cent to 30 per cent,” she said. “I’ve had to put all my staff off for the week and hopefully they can be back on Saturday,” But for essential services such as the post office and Waroona Tyre and Mechanical, it was business as usual. Waroona Post Office manager Glenn McCorkill said it did not affect the branch a great deal because it was an essential service with parcels still needing to be picked up and delivered. “It’s probably a little bit quieter but nothing really dramatic,” he said. “We probably actually gain business really because people buy more parcels online.” Waroona Tyre and Mechanical owner Kevin Wrenn said his business was open 24/7 because people still need cars repaired even during a pandemic. “The only thing I have noticed has been people using their credit cards more frequently than before,” he said Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley said most locals were used to lockdown procedures by now and people have “just dealt with it”. “We’re pretty easy going down this part of the world,” he said He said the response this time around had not been as “manic” as two previous lockdowns earlier this year. “One of the benefits of living in a rural community is you can still have a little bit of freedom,” he said. Restrictions were due to ease across Perth and Peel this morning, with some transitional restrictions in place until 12.01am Monday. If approved, these restrictions include an increase in the number of home visitors to 30, with outdoor gatherings and venue capacity rising to 150 people while adhering to the 2sqm rule. Masks would no longer be required where physical distancing is possible, with indoor sport and group classes set to resume as normal.