Advice on Victorian Stage 3 and Stage 4 COVID-19 Restrictions

Over the past few days the Association has been working hard to obtain the facts regarding the current Victorian restrictions.

The State Government has announced new restrictions for Victoria, metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, that are set to apply from 11.59pm today (Wednesday 5 August 2020).

Stage 4 Restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne

The Association has confirmed that information regarding which health services can continue under Stage 4 restrictions is still under review at the Department of Health. As this review may not be complete until after Stage 4 restrictions are imposed tonight, the following is the advice we are providing members at this time and is subject to change pending further updates from the Department of Health. We will provide members with an update as soon as one is made available by the Department of Health.

Our advice is to interpret the Melbourne metro restrictions under Stage 4, erring on the side of caution as they appear to apply to massage and myotherapy, unless operating under the clinical service definition as follows:

• Community based services which are based on a referral from a registered medical practitioner (General practitioner and/or medical specialist). This includes all clinical and allied health services. (Allied Health Practitioners are registered with AHPRA). A table of the restrictions can be found here.

If you meet the definition, you must adhere to current requirements including:

• Wear a mask
• Do not treat a client unless they are wearing a mask
• Have a COVID-Safe Plan (which must be completed by employers by 11.59pm on Friday 7 August 2020)
• If you have staff who are required to work on site they must be issued a worker permit. Learn more about the permitted worker scheme here. (If you are a sole practitioner you must sign the worker permit as both the employer and employee)
• Ensure clients are feeling well and have not been in contact with any persons who have tested positive to COVID-19 or have not been overseas
• Starting Thursday 6 August 2020, do not treat clients unless they have a referral from a general practitioner (GP)

Further information about Stage 4 restrictions can be found here. Please note that the above advice may change down the line pending Department of Health review.

Risk factors must be considered depending on your own personal situation and the risk factors of those around you.

It is important for members to note that Victoria is in a state of disaster and these laws are now in place. The Premier announced yesterday higher penalties for any breaches now apply. This means that you are responsible and accountable, should a breach in the rules occurs, or a person or persons become infected through your massage or myotherapy service.

Stage 3 Restrictions Regional Victoria

The Association would like to remind our regional Victorian members that Stage 3 restrictions will begin tonight at 11.59pm (except Mitchell Shire, which is already in Stage 3).

To learn more about Stage 3 restrictions click here.

These are difficult times for everyone and we will continue to keep you informed of any updated facts.

Stay safe!