Victoria to enter five-day circuit breaker lockdown

The Victorian Government has announced a five-day circuit-breaker lockdown beginning tonight 15 July at 11.59pm and is currently set to end on Tuesday 20 July at 11.59pm. The restrictions will be the same as the lockdown that began on 27 May and affect the entirety of Victoria.

This means that there will only be five permitted reasons to leave the home:

• Food and supplies
• Authorised work
• Care and caregiving
• Exercise for up to two hours and with one other person
• Getting vaccinated.

During this circuit breaker lockdown, only authorised health services will be permitted to continue treating. Massage therapy, remedial massage therapy and myotherapy are not listed as authorised health services that are permitted to treat during the lockdown.

A list of support services can be found below. If you ever find yourself struggling, please reach out. Massage & Myotherapy Australia will continue to monitor the situation and notify members if there are any changes to these directions.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment update

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced changes to the COVID-19 Disaster Payment for those who have lost work due to extended lockdown.

You may be eligible if all of the following applies:

• You can’t attend work and have lost income on or after day eight of COVID-19 restrictions being implemented
• You don’t have access to appropriate paid leave entitlements through your employer
• You’re not getting an income support payment, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Dad and Partner Pay or Parental Leave Pay
• You're not getting a state or territory pandemic payment, Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment or state small business payment for the same period

For more information click here.

List of support services available

Mental Health and Anxiety	Business and Financial Assistance
Beyond Blue Support for those dealing with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Black Dog Institute Resources for anxiety and stress caused by COVID-19. Lifeline A 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention service. MensLine Australia Health and relationship advice for men. Suicide Call Back Service Free counselling for suicide prevention health via telephone, online and video affected by suicidal thoughts, 24/7.	AusGov COVID-19 Payments Payments and services during COVID-19 such as JopKeeper and Jobseeker Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Tax assistance for those struggling through adversity. MoneySmart For those who require financial support.
	Other
	National Coronavirus Helpline A 24-hour a day number to call for COVID-19 questions or concerns. Fair Work Ombudsman If you feel you have been unfairly dismissed from work.