Victoria Returning to Stage 4 Lockdown

At 11.59pm tonight the entirety of Victoria, including regional, will be returning to Stage 4 lockdown conditions for five days. These restrictions are currently due to lift at 11.59pm on Wednesday 17 February.

Previously under Stage 4 conditions, therapeutic massage therapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapist can only treat clients under very restrictive circumstances. Specifically:

'All AHPRA registered health workers – and in addition, social work, speech pathology, dietetics and any other health worker required to fulfil a care plan endorsed by NDIS, TAC, Workcover or DVA – to provide services that 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).'

Under these restrictions, routine services are 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. We recognise that this is an extremely difficult time for all Victorian members and we have provided a list of available support services below.

Massage & Myotherapy Australia will continue to monitor the situation and notify members of any changes to directions.

List of support services available