Victoria Roadmap to Reopening Update
Yesterday the State Government announced their 'Roadmap to Reopening'. This roadmap outlines a series of steps to get Victoria back to ‘COVID Normal’. One of the major announcements from yesterday is that the metropolitan Melbourne Stage 4 restrictions have been extended by a minimum of two weeks to 28 September 2020 and will only relax if certain case-per-day goals are met.
More information about the Roadmap for both regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne can be found here.
The Association is monitoring the situation and the government notifications on a daily basis. As soon as we know anything further we will let you know.
Regional Victorian members
Stage 3 restrictions continue to permit therapeutic massage, remedial massage and myotherapy. The Association continues to advise a high level of caution with regards to client screening as well as hygiene and infection control at this time.
It was noted in the Premier's press conference yesterday that those who live and work in the Geelong corridor, which currently has a high number of active cases, should show extra caution. At this stage the Geelong corridor is still classified under Stage 3 restrictions but if case numbers do not improve it is possible that the Geelong corridor could be reclassified in future as its own region with its own set of restrictions.
Melbourne metropolitan members
As advised by the Premier in his press conference yesterday, until the numbers come down, industries will not be able to safely reopen without risking a potential third wave. It appears no commitments about reducing restrictions are being made until the numbers decrease further.
The Department of Health have not yet stated under what step massage will be allowed to re-commence practice in metropolitan Melbourne, but with Stage 4 restrictions having been extended by two weeks we interpret the announcement as being that massage therapists will be forced to follow the current guidance (your client must be on an approved care plan and considered critical) until 28 September 2020 at the earliest. (The 28 September date is predicated on metropolitan Melbourne maintaining an average daily case rate of 50 or fewer cases over a 14-day period with public health advice regarding transmission source.)
We understand it is frustrating for all concerned, but we must adhere to directions issued. The Association continues to advocate on behalf of all massage therapists and myotherapists in Victoria. As soon as the Association obtains clarity on when non-critical care-plan-approved treatments can resume we will update you.
List of support services available
The Association understands that this is an incredibly difficult time for Victorian members. Below is a list of support services that can be accessed at this time for anyone who is going through financial hardship or are experiencing anxiety, stress or depression.