Western Australia’s strict COVID-19 restrictions must be eased or the city will lose part of its fabric and vibrancy once the Omicron wave passes.

That’s the view of Gareth Parker, who tells 6PR Breakfast listeners two more long-standing WA businesses – Mama Tran in the CBD and Belvoir Function Centre – had closed due in most part to the current mandates.

“Every day there is mounting evidence of businesses closing down because of these restrictions,” he told listeners.

“Despite the surge in case numbers, the health impacts thanks to very high levels of vaccination, continue to be muted.

“It is urgent I think for the government to recalibrate its settings on restrictions, and it is urgent of major businesses to get workers back into the city.

“Because otherwise, once this wave passes, we’re going to be left with a hollowed-out husk of an entertainment industry and a hospitality industry, and the city and the state that we love is going to be a less interesting, less vibrant place as a result.”

Tap PLAY below to hear Parker’s full views on the issue.