Metropolitan Melbourne Update on Working Restrictions Under the Second Step
As anticipated in our last update, the State Government have not outlined any changes to the working status of remedial massage therapists and myotherapists under the Second Step of their Roadmap to Recovery. According to the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria website, permitted industries under the Second Step include:
'Any other health worker providing services required under a Chronic Disease Management Plan, a care plan endorsed by NDIS (including self-managed plans), TAC, Workcover or DVA - if care is required to prevent a significant change/deterioration in functional independence necessitating escalation of care (e.g. a requirement for specialist input/review, an increase in care needs and/or alternate accommodation, avoiding a hospital admission or emergency department presentation).'
This means the current directives, that have been active since the beginning of the Stage 4 lockdown, remain in place. Routine services are still not permitted and you can only treat a client if:
- They are on a care plan endorsed by NDIS (including self-managed plans), TAC, Workcover or DVA; and
- Their condition will deteriorate rapidly if you wait until after the end date of Stage 4 restrictions to treat them
It is our understanding that a letter from a GP on its own is not sufficient. You may only treat if the above criteria are met.
As part of the announcements yesterday, it was revealed that the Third Step will no longer trigger on 26 October 2020 but as soon as Victoria manages to reach an average of five or fewer new cases per day and fewer than five cases with an unknown source over a span of 14 days. At this stage, the Government is estimating that will occur closer to 19 October 2020.
These are difficult times for everyone and the Association will continue to advocate on behalf of members and keep you informed of any updated facts as they are provided to us.
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.
Applications are open now to many of the State Government's Business Support Fund Grants to assist Victorian businesses that are struggling or have been forced to close due to COVID-19 restrictions. More information about the support package can be found here.