COVID-19 Updates
Chiropractic Australia is committed to keeping members up-to-date and informed regarding COVID-19 restrictions and what they mean for members and practices.
COVID-19 Updates
Chiropractic Australia is committed to keeping members up-to-date and informed regarding COVID-19 restrictions and what they mean for members and practices.
The below guidance is based on information provided by State and Territory Governments, which Chiropractic Australia understands to be correct as at the time of publication. However this is the interpretation of Chiropractic Australia, the information may be subject to change and we will update our guidance accordingly should this be the case. If you require specific clarification and further details regarding the current restrictions, please visit your local State or Territory Government website.
Chiropractic Australia Position Statement
17/09/2021 | COVID-19 and Mandatory Vaccination
WFC Omicron Variant Update
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) has just released a document containing updated advice and information for chiropractors regarding the coronavirus ‘Omicron’ variant, based on WHO source material and the guidance of the WFC Public Health Committee.
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)
11/01/2022 – Vaccination update
The Victorian Government has announced a number of changes to further protect the highest-risk health care and hospitality settings – and key workforces – from the risk of outbreaks and super-spreader events. Please find further information provided by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions below.
Under new pandemic orders coming into place at 11:59pm Wednesday 12 January 2022:
Vaccination Requirements in Key Sectors
Workers in key sectors who are already required to be fully vaccinated must get their third dose before being permitted to work onsite. This applies to workers in:
- healthcare
- aged care
- disability services
- emergency services
Workplaces must sight and record proof of vaccination.
Workers eligible for a third dose on or before Wednesday 12 January 2022 will have until Saturday 12 February 2022 to get their third dose.
Workers not yet eligible for a third dose will be required to get it within three months and two weeks of the deadline to receiving their second mandatory dose.
This means:
- residential aged care workers must receive their third dose by 1 March
- disability, quarantine accommodation, correctional facilities, emergency services, and food distribution workers will need to receive their third dose by 12 March
- health care workers must receive their third dose by 29 March.
All Victorians continue to be encouraged to get their third dose as soon as they become eligible. Bookings can be made www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine.
If you have COVID-19 or you’re a contact. Victoria’s isolation rules have changed.
To see what you have to do if you test positive to COVID-19, or you have been told you are a contact, you can follow your checklist – https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist
Reporting Rapid Test (Positive) – https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report
More information for Health Services and Professionals – https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19/for-health-services-and-professionals-covid-19
06/01/2022 – Sensible Steps to reduce Testing Queues And Transmission
Please see the latest release below from the office of the Victorian Premier regarding Covid-19 testing.
In the biggest change to the COVID-19 testing system since the beginning of the pandemic, Victorians won’t have to line up to get a PCR test and wait for their result to be diagnosed with COVID-19 – meaning shorter wait times and faster access to clinical care.
Under new pandemic orders that come into effect at 11.59pm tonight, people who test positive on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be considered probable cases and be subject to the same requirements as confirmed cases from a PCR test – they must isolate immediately for seven days and notify their contacts.
It will be mandatory to report the result of a positive RAT to the Department of Health through an online form or by phone – ensuring people can access the care and information they need, including monitoring for worsening symptoms and financial support for isolation.
Once a probable case has reported their positive RAT result, they will be asked questions about their symptoms and directly provided critical information about their next steps, how long they must isolate and how they can get care and advice – just as they would if they tested positive on a PCR test. Probable cases will be reported alongside confirmed cases in Victoria’s daily numbers.
Until RATs are in increased supply, Victorians who have symptoms, or asymptomatic household contacts required to use RATs, can still get a PCR test if they can’t access any RATs.
Moving forward, this change means PCR testing can increasingly be reserved for confirmation of clinical diagnoses in vulnerable settings and critical workforce testing.
A PCR test continues to be recommended for people who test positive on a RAT but don’t have symptoms and who aren’t contacts. Due to the increased accuracy of RATs in higher-risk groups, PCR tests will be discouraged for contacts or people with symptoms.
The online and phone reporting system will go live on 7 January. The process includes a series of simple questions including a symptom check for triaging care. Privacy will be protected, and translation support will be available through the Coronavirus hotline.
In addition, the new pandemic orders require that a density quotient of one person per two square metres be introduced indoors at hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, pubs and nightclubs along with along with entertainment venues including arcades and amusement parks, casinos and gaming venues across Victoria.
This change is similar to the measures already in place in New South Wales and aims to reduce the risk of superspreader events in these settings. It is also recommended that entertainment and hospitality venues and their patrons opt for seated service only and avoid indoor dancefloors.
It is strongly recommended that if possible you undertake a RAT prior to visiting aged care facilities or hospitals.
The strong recommendation to work from home and study from home for adult education if you can will remain in place until Australia Day – this will continue to be assessed.
Non-urgent elective surgery will temporarily be reduced for public and private hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne and major regional cities across Victoria, helping hospitals respond to the increasing number of patients with coronavirus.
All emergency surgery and urgent elective surgery will continue. Elective surgery procedures where the patient is already scheduled for admission on 6 and 7 January may still occur where it is not safe or logistically possible to postpone.
Yesterday, free RATs were successfully distributed at four of the state’s largest testing centres as part of a pilot which is continuing today and tomorrow – while Victoria awaits the arrival of the first significant delivery of the 44 million ordered tests.
More information on how Victorians can report their Rapid Antigen Result will be on the Coronavirus website from 7 January. Information on updated COVIDSafe settings will also be published when the orders come into effect. Remember to book your third dose, or your child’s first dose, at .
21/12/2021 – Current Pandemic Orders
As of last week’s announcement from the Victorian Government, COVID-19 restrictions have now been updated and eased under the new Public Health and Wellbeing Act signed by the Chief Health Officer and Minister for Health, Martin Foley, while the Omicron variant is monitored and investigated.
The pandemic orders, which took effect from 11.59pm Wednesday 15 December, will be in place until 11.59pm on 12 January 2022, and we encourage you to refer to the current COVIDSafe Settings outlined here.
MASKS & FACE COVERINGS
Under the revised orders, the wearing of masks continues to be required for workers and visitors in indoor healthcare settings including community health centres (including mental health, child and maternity, and drug and alcohol counselling services centres), general practices, COVID-19 related healthcare sites (including testing, vaccination and hotel quarantine facilities), health clinics (including medical specialist and allied health clinics), diagnostic and medical imaging centres, mobile health services or blood donation centres.
Acting VIC Allied Chief Health Officer – Sharon Downie – has advised Chiropractic Australia that:
“…face mask requirements in healthcare settings (aside from hospitals and residential care facilities) are covered in the Stay Safe Directions, which specify that masks should be worn ‘while in an indoor space that is a publicly accessible area of a healthcare premises’.This Direction is inclusive of settings such as allied health private practice settings, and requires patients/clients attending the premises to wear a face mask when in any publicly accessible area (for example, foyer, waiting areas and treatment rooms/spaces).”
QR CODES
Every business must use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service to check-in customers, workers and visitors, with some limited exceptions. Every visitor must check-in, regardless of how long they are at the premises.
Businesses are required to provide an alternative record-keeping method for members of the public (or workers) that do not have a smartphone. This could include a kiosk option (via a tablet) or, as a last resort, pen and paper.
WORKPLACE COVIDSAFE SETTINGS
– A density quotient does not apply.
– For general business COVIDSafe Settings visit How we work: Victoria.
– Telehealth services are the preferred first option when clinically appropriate.
– When services operate from a residential address they must:
i) have a COVIDSafe Plan
ii) be registered as a business premises
iii) follow PPE guidance issued by the Victorian Department of Health.
Additional PPE requirements apply for allied health professionals in private practice settings:
It is also important to note that whilst workplaces exposed to a positive COVID-19 case will no longer need to be deep cleaned, after mounting international evidence that coronavirus is an airborne or droplet-borne disease and the likelihood of becoming infected by touching a surface is very low risk, all workplaces will still need to maintain their COVIDSafe Plan.
16/12/2021 – Update on Public Health Protection
“The mandatory vaccination requirement will be removed for all customers in retail, except hair and beauty services, and will also be removed in real estate, places of worship, weddings and funerals. Mask settings in retail remain unchanged.
Under the pandemic orders, restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs are still only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff. Workers are required to wear masks.
Face masks no longer need to be worn at weddings, funerals, or ceremonial settings. If these events are held at places of worship there will not be any vaccination requirements or limits on participants, nor any requirement for organisers to check vaccination status. If the ceremony is at a hospitality setting, vaccine requirements will apply.
Workplaces exposed to a positive coronavirus case will no longer need to be deep cleaned, after mounting international evidence that coronavirus is an airborne or droplet-borne disease and the likelihood of becoming infected by touching a surface is very low risk.
In addition, tour and transport operators, gyms and creative arts premises such as theatres and cinemas will not need to clean equipment between uses. Workplaces will still need to maintain CovidSafe plans.” – Click Here
16/12/2021 – COVID-19 restrictions are being updated
The Victorian Government has announced COVID-19 restrictions are being updated to ensure Victorians enjoy more freedoms this festive season, while the Omicron variant is monitored and investigated.
After consideration of advice from the Chief Health Officer, the Minister for Health Martin Foley will today sign pandemic orders under the new Public Health and Wellbeing Act.
The pandemic orders, which will take effect from 11.59pm tonight, Wednesday 15 December and will be in place until 11.59pm on 12 January 2022, update the current COVIDSafe Settings.
This will include:
- The mandatory vaccination requirement will be removed for all customers in retail, except hair and beauty services, and will also be removed in real estate, places of worship, weddings and funerals. Face masks will be still required for customers and workers in retail settings
- Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs are still only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff. Workers are required to wear face masks
- People under 18 will no longer be required to show proof of their vaccination status at all venues, including hospitality
- Face masks no longer need to be worn at weddings, funerals or ceremonial settings. If these events are held at places of worship, there will not be any vaccination requirements or limits on participants, nor any requirement to check vaccination status. If the ceremony is at a hospitality setting, vaccine requirements will apply
- Workplaces exposed to a positive COVID-19 case will no longer need to be deep cleaned
- Tour and transport operators, gyms and creative arts premises, such as theatres and cinemas, will not need to clean equipment between users
- Workplaces still need to maintain their COVIDSafe Plan.
All Victorians who are eligible for a booster are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible. COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for anyone aged 18 and over who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine five or more months ago.
You can get a COVID-19 booster dose from a GP or pharmacy, or a Victorian vaccination centre.
For more information, including advice for workplaces with a confirmed COVID-19 case, please go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
18/10/2021 – Easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne
Please find below the latest advice for Victorian Allied Health workers in Metro Melbourne, provided to Chiropractic Australia via the Department of Health.
Following the Premier’s announcement of further easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne aligned to achievement of 70% full vaccination (effective of 11.59pm Thursday 21 October), we have confirmed with Public Health that private practice allied health services will be able to resume routine care (including group interventions) with density quotients/COVIDsafe plans in place.
Further information will be available via the Business Victoria website in the coming days.
18/10/2021 – Easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne
Please find below the latest advice for Victorian Allied Health workers in Metro Melbourne, provided to Chiropractic Australia via the Department of Health.
Following the Premier’s announcement of further easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne aligned to achievement of 70% full vaccination (effective of 11.59pm Thursday 21 October), we have confirmed with Public Health that private practice allied health services will be able to resume routine care (including group interventions) with density quotients/COVIDsafe plans in place.
Further information will be available via the Business Victoria website in the coming days.
18/10/2021 – Easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne
Please find below the latest advice for Victorian Allied Health workers in Metro Melbourne, provided to Chiropractic Australia via the Department of Health.
Following the Premier’s announcement of further easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne aligned to achievement of 70% full vaccination (effective of 11.59pm Thursday 21 October), we have confirmed with Public Health that private practice allied health services will be able to resume routine care (including group interventions) with density quotients/COVIDsafe plans in place.
Further information will be available via the Business Victoria website in the coming days.
18/10/2021 – Easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne
Please find below the latest advice for Victorian Allied Health workers in Metro Melbourne, provided to Chiropractic Australia via the Department of Health.
Following the Premier’s announcement of further easing of restrictions for metro Melbourne aligned to achievement of 70% full vaccination (effective of 11.59pm Thursday 21 October), we have confirmed with Public Health that private practice allied health services will be able to resume routine care (including group interventions) with density quotients/COVIDsafe plans in place.
Further information will be available via the Business Victoria website in the coming days.
01/10/2021 – COVID vaccination requirements for Victorian healthcare workers
Please find below the latest advice regarding COVID vaccination requirements for Victorian healthcare workers, provided to Chiropractic Australia via the Department of Health.
For more information regarding Chiropractic Australia’s stance on mandatory vaccinations, please see our Position Statement and Rationale Document.
Healthcare worker update – COVID-19 vaccination requirements Today the Victorian Chief Health Officer issued a direction requiring Victorian healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, recognising the critical role that vaccination plays in the safety of both the workforce and patients. The formal direction follows the announcement by the Premier on 19 September 2021 that healthcare workers would be the next workforce to have COVID-19 vaccination become a requirement to work, drawing on a recommendation from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to National Cabinet. From 15 October 2021, healthcare workers will be required to have received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or an appointment to receive at least their first COVID-19 vaccine by 29 October 2021, or a medical exemption to be able to come to work. By 15 December 2021, all healthcare workers must provide evidence of their full COVID-19 vaccination of two doses, or a medical exemption by authorised medical practitioner. Operators of healthcare settings must also keep a record of workers’ vaccination status, in line with the direction issued by the Chief Health Officer. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and free. Healthcare workers continue to have priority access for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. To book a reserved appointment, healthcare workers can call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or contact a GP, pharmacy or community health service. These measures are part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing efforts to protect healthcare workers and patients from COVID-19. Further information on the requirement for healthcare workers to be vaccinated can be found here. The formal Chief Health Officer direction can be found here. Which healthcare workers are required to be vaccinated? A healthcare worker is a person (including a volunteer or student) that is employed or engaged as a contractor to perform work at a healthcare setting: Direct Care and Interaction Roles
Administrative and Ancillary Roles
Ambulance and Patient Transport Service Roles Workers in businesses operating within health facilities (e.g. cafés, restaurants, newsagents and florist within a healthcare setting). Students on placement at a healthcare setting and volunteers engaged to undertake duties at a healthcare setting are also required to be vaccinated. The requirement applies to those working at healthcare settings, not those that work at another worksite (such as head office where no health services are delivered, unless they are required to attend the healthcare setting where care is delivered) or in a community setting (such as providing care into people’s homes) – unless they also work in a healthcare setting. What healthcare settings are in scope? Healthcare settings at which all workers will be required to be vaccinated are:
Where can I find the Direction issued by the Chief Health Officer? The relevant Direction issued by the Chief Health Officer is located on the department’s website here. The Direction explains how the vaccination requirements will apply to healthcare workers and operators. All operators and workers are encouraged to review the public health order to understand the scope of healthcare workers required to be vaccinated as well as the limited exemptions that may apply. All operators should now be confirming with their workforce whether they have received their minimum first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. All workers should now be providing evidence to their employer of their vaccination status. Do workers need to provide evidence of their vaccination status? Yes. Workers should provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status, or of an authorised exemption to vaccination, to their employer before 15 October 2021. There are two ways workers can provide evidence of their vaccination status:
You can access your Immunisation History Statement:
People do not need to have a Medicare card to be able to access their Immunisation History Statement. Information is available for healthcare workers on how to prove their COVID-19 vaccination status, including step by step guides on how to get Proof of vaccination with or without a Medicare card. What if a worker can’t provide their Immunisation History Statement by 15 October 2021? Some workers may be unable to produce their Immunisation History Statement if they were only vaccinated in the days leading up to the 15 October 2021 deadline. This could be because the vaccine provider has not uploaded the person’s vaccination record to the Australian Immunisation Register. If a worker is unable to get a copy of their Immunisation History Statement prior to 15 October 2021, they should:
Workers must then provide a copy of their Immunisation History Statement or show their COVID-19 Digital Certificate as soon as possible. Operators should record the worker as being vaccinated but is responsible for following up to ensure the worker provides the required proof of vaccination. What if a worker cannot get vaccinated before the 15 October 2021 deadline? Between 15 and 29 October 2021, employers cannot allow a healthcare worker who has not provided evidence of their vaccination from entering their health facility unless they:
All healthcare workers continue to have priority access to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Workers are encouraged to seek the support of their employer to receive their vaccine now. All providers must support their workers to access a COVID-19 vaccine. Public sector healthcare workers are able to access half a day of special paid leave to receive their vaccination. What do I need to know about exemptions to the requirement to be vaccinated? Medical exemptions are possible in a limited number of cases. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommended medical exemptions align with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine in Australia in 2021. Healthcare workers will need evidence from a medical practitioner about a medical exemption – such as a medical certificate or a letter. In limited circumstances an operator of a healthcare setting can also approve temporary exceptions:
Consistent with national approaches, the public health direction does not allow exemptions on religious, political or personal grounds. Operators of healthcare settings should carefully consider the formal public health order. While individuals are personally responsible for complying with COVID-19 vaccination requirements, providers must also take reasonable steps to ensure non-compliant workers do not enter and remain at their facility. Operators are encouraged to review information on the Fair Work Australia website which steps out COVID-19 vaccinations, workplace rights and obligations. |
17/08/2021 – Update for Metropolitan Melbourne
Further to yesterday’s guidance, please see below the amendment provided to Chiropractic Australia by Acting Chief Allied Health Officer – Sharon Downie – regarding the criteria for urgent clinical care:
The definition of urgent clinical care for this purpose is:
Direct clinical care (and other clinical support activity necessary to support direct clinical care) that prevents a significant change/deterioration in functional independence necessitating escalation of care OR is required as an adjunct to other urgent medical/surgical interventions.
For example, urgent clinical care;
• that avoids a potential hospital admission or emergency department presentation
• that avoids serious acute consequences or acute deterioration
• that presents/delays the need for further specialist medical or surgical intervention
• that prevents an increase in care needs that would necessitate additional carer supports or change in accommodation needs
• that limits secondary complications post surgery
• where deferral would lead to long term adverse consequences (i.e.. delays to child development)
We would also reinforce that face-to-face group interventions are not permitted in metro Melbourne at this time.
16/08/2021 – Two-Week Lockdown Extension Announced for Metropolitan Melbourne
The current lockdown in Melbourne has been just extended by an additional two weeks – until 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 September – and a curfew will be put in place across Metropolitan Melbourne as of 11.59 pm tonight (16 August 2021). Following the Premier’s announcement today regarding revised public health directions for Metro Melbourne, Chiropractic Australia has been in contact with Acting Chief Allied Health Officer – Sharon Downie – to provide clarification around these restrictions and key terminology in relation to Allied Health Professionals; a summary of this guidance is outlined here.
We would also like to remind our Victorian Members that received a business grant under the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension, that you may also be eligible for the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three; which serves to provides additional support to eligible small to medium businesses in sectors affected by the current restrictions in metropolitan and regional Victoria.
11/08/2021 – 7-day Lockdown Extension Announced for Metropolitan Melbourne
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has declared that the current restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne will remain in place until at least 11:59pm, Thursday 19 August. Please visit https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/extended-melbourne-lockdown-keep-victorians-safe for further information.
05/08/2021 – Snap 7-Day Lockdown Announced for Victoria
A snap seven-day lockdown has just been announced for Victoria – going into effect as of 8pm tonight – August 05, 2021.
You can find the full details of the restrictions here.
Chiropractic Australia has been in contact with Acting Chief Allied Health Officer, Sharon Downie, to provide clarification around these state-wide restrictions and what they mean for Allied Health Professionals; a summary of this guidance is outlined below.
Under these settings, clinical care may only be provided by Authorised Workforce. Allied Health professionals are recognised as an authorised workforce for the following services:
• Allied health services provided by allied health professionals working as authorised workers in hospitals or in residential care facilities providing critical clinical care or as directed by the hospital; or
• Allied health workers professionals working in private or public community services, whether clinic-based or home-based, providing essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate; or
• Allied health services provided by allied health professionals working in private practice providing care through telehealth and other virtual care options; or
• Allied health students on placement providing authorised care in hospitals or in residential care facilities, or through telehealth; or
• Pharmacies.
For this purpose, essential clinical care is defined as:
• to prevent a significant change/deterioration in functional independence which would result in an escalation of care needs (e.g. an increase in frequency of treatment needed, an increased need for prescription medication due to a significant increase in pain, requirement for specialist input or review, an increase in care needs, and/or a substantial increase to anticipated recovery time associated with a delay in receiving services)
• to provide assessment and diagnostic services to clients / patients whose care have been delayed as a result of previous restrictions, with any further delay likely to result in deterioration in functional independence or adverse health outcomes (including access to diagnostic imaging services or assessment for prescription of assistive equipment and technology)
• to provide services that are essential as part of a broader plan of care with a medical practitioner (e.g. fitting a brace post-surgery)
• to provide services that are part of a conservative management plan to avoid or delay elective surgery (as agreed with treating team)
• to provide services immediately following elective surgery that prevent secondary complications or aid functional recovery (as agreed with treating team).
*Please note that Routine care is not permitted*
Specific restrictions for Metro Melbourne & Regional Victoria – at this time – are as follows:
Allied Health Intervention –private practice settings
• Individual face to face services for essential care – only if care/service is not able to be provided via telehealth
• Group face to face interventions not permitted
• No restrictions on care/service types provided via telehealth
Group Interventions
• Group face to face interventions not permitted
Movement
• Wherever practical, individuals should work at a single practice/clinic
• Movement between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria only as required for authorised work only
Face Coverings
• Must be carried at all times
• Must be worn indoors except if at home, or if an exemption applies
• Must be worn outdoors
Density Quotient
• Applies to all venues and spaces that are accessible to the public (and in closed workplaces, to shared spaces such as lunchrooms) – 1 to 4m2
QR Codes
• All businesses and workplaces must ensure all workers and visitors check in using the free Victorian Government QR Code Service; https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/about-victorian-government-qr-code-service
• Exemptions to the use of QR codes cited for support groups and health services related to confidentiality are very much focused on significant risk issues (eg. family violence services), and will not apply to the majority of Allied Health services
Please note: The above guidance is based on information provided by the Victorian Government as of 5:15pm August 05 2021, which Chiropractic Australia understands to be correct as of this time, however this may be subject to change over the coming days and we will update our guidance accordingly should this be the case. If you require specific clarification and further details regarding the current restrictions, please visit Seven Day Lockdown To Keep Victorians Safe | Premier of Victoria.
30/07/2021 – COVIDSafe and PPE Guidance for Allied Health Professionals
You can find the latest COVIDSafe guidance and an FAQ section specific to Allied Health Professionals at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-work-current-restrictions#allied-health-faqs. The most current version of the PPE guidance for Allied Health and private practice is also available at Health care and social assistance sector guidance | Coronavirus Victoria.
27/07/2021 – Easing of Victorian Lockdown Restrictions effective as of 11.59pm tonight (Tuesday 27th July)
As per the Premier’s announcement this morning, changes to the current Victorian lockdown restrictions will come into effect as of 11.59pm tonight – Tuesday 27th July: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/lockdown-lifted-across-victoria. For both metro Melbourne and regional Victoria, individuals will be able to leave their homes for any reason, however the requirement for COVIDsafe behaviours will remain in place – namely the requirement to wear a mask and check-in to public locations using the QR code system. The Authorised Worker List will no longer apply, meaning businesses and venues can reopen, with industry specific restrictions.
21/07/2021 – New Support For Victorian Businesses
The Victorian Government has announced a range of new supports to bolster communities and businesses most affected by the current restrictions, and further information regarding this additional injection of funds can be found at https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/support-builds-businesses-through-lockdown.
Please note: Businesses that previously qualified for – and received – financial support as part of the Business Costs Assistance Package Round Two will automatically receive the additional funding of $2800 (taking total payment to $4,800); there is no need to apply again or take any further action. Businesses that had chosen not to apply for these previous support programs in relation to the May/June lockdown, or had been ineligible to apply but are now eligible, are welcome to apply for July lockdown support payments and will be considered outside of the automatic top-up process.
15/06/2021 – Snap Lockdown in Victoria
A snap 5-day lockdown has just been announced for Victoria – going into effect as of 11:59pm tonight, July 15, 2021 – and these settings are expected to be in place until 11:59pm on Tuesday July 20, 2021. You can find the full details of the restrictions and you can access the full Table of Restrictions here.
According the document above, Allied health professionals working in private or public community services, whether clinic-based or home-based, providing essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate are classifed as authorised workers.
In addition to the above conditions pertaining to the provision of allied health services, it should also be be noted that face masks must be worn indoors at all times (except at home) and outdoors when it’s not possible to physically distance.
09/06/2021 – Easing of Circuit Breaker Restrictions in Victoria
Chiropractic Australia welcomes the announced easing of restrictions in Victoria – effective as for 11:59pm on Thursday 10 June, 2021 – and the ability for Victorian Chiropractors to return back to work at this time. You can see the full Statement from the Acting Premier here and you can access the full Table of Restrictions here.
27/05/2021 – 7-day Circuit Breaker Restrictions in effect across Victoria
11.59PM THURSDAY 27 MAY to 11.59PM THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021
7-day Circuit Breaker Restrictions have just been announced for Victoria – going into effect as of 11:59pm tonight – and these settings are expected to be in place until 11:59pm on June 3, 2021. For full details of the restrictions please click here.
Chiropractic Australia has been in contact with Donna Markham – Chief Allied Health Officer – to provide clarification around these restrictions and key terminology in relation to Allied Health Professionals; a summary of this guidance is outlined below.
Under these settings, only Authorised Health Services will be permitted, which are defined as;
- Allied Health services provided by allied health professionals working as authorised workers in hospitals or in residential care facilities providing critical clinical care or as directed by the hospital: or
- Allied Health workers professionals working in private or public community services, whether clinic-based or home-based, providing essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate; or
- Allied Health services provided by allied health professionals working in private practice providing care through telehealth and other virtual care options
- Students, medical/nursing/midwifery/allied health on placement providing authorised care in hospitals or in residential care facilities, or through telehealth.
*Please note that Routine care is not permitted*.
With regards to face-to-face provision of Allied Health services permitted under the 7-day Circuit Breaker Restrictions, essential clinical care is defined as:
- To prevent a significant change/deterioration in functional independence which would result in an escalation of care needs (e.g. an increase in frequency of treatment needed, an increased need for prescription medication due to a significant increase in pain, requirement for specialist input or review, an increase in care needs, and/or a substantial increase to anticipated recovery time associated with a delay in receiving services)
- To provide assessment and diagnostic services to clients / patients whose care have been delayed as a result of previous restrictions, with any further delay likely to result in deterioration in functional independence or adverse health outcomes (including access to diagnostic imaging services or assessment for prescription of assistive equipment and technology)
- To provide services that are essential as part of a broader plan of care with a medical practitioner (e.g. fitting a brace post-surgery)
- To provide services that are part of a conservative management plan to avoid or delay elective surgery (as agreed with treating team)
- To provide services immediately following elective surgery that prevent secondary complications or aid functional recovery (as agreed with treating team).
25/05/2021 – Additional COVIDSafe Measures for Greater Melbourne
Due to the recent cases in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, additional COVIDSafe Measures have been put in place in Greater Melbourne.
From 6pm tonight (May 25th 2021), face masks will need to be worn by everyone aged 12 years and older when indoors, unless an exemption applies.
Victorians who live in Greater Melbourne and need to travel to regional Victoria can still do so however, the restrictions travel with them. As outlined in yesterday’s Member Update Email, use of the Service Victoria QR code service will still be mandatory in all venues and facilities that are required to have mandatory electronic record keeping from Friday, 28 May.
What this means for you & your practice:
- All staff and patients over 12 will be required to wear a mask.
- Any Melbourne-based patient attending a clinic outside Greater Melbourne will be required to wear a mask.
- Any person entering your practice needs to sign in via the Service Victoria QR code service from Friday.
For further details about the additional COVIDSafe settings taking effect at 6pm tonight, please click here.
18/01/2021 – Public Health Orders and Exclusive Telehealth Providers
Please see below an ammendent regarding mandatory vaccination obligations and telehealth service provision.
Under the current NSW Public Health Order (PHO), practitioners that fall under the category of stage 2 healthcare workers (as well as supporting staff) who provide services exclusively via telehealth are exempted from mandatory vaccination requirements under the PHO provisions for registered health providers.
As outlined here, a stage 2 health care worker is exempt from the vaccination obligations if they:
- provide health services with no physical contact with members of the community being provided with the service; and
- provide that health service entirely from a place where there are no patients, clients and others accessing the health care onsite the premises.
Stage 2 health care workers (who are not considered Stage 1 health care workers) include the following:
- registered health practitioners, being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners, Chinese medicine practitioners, chiropractors, dental practitioner (including dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental prosthetists and oral health therapists), medical practitioners, medical radiation practitioners, midwives, nurses, occupational therapists, optometrists, osteopaths, paramedics, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and psychologists
- a person who does work in connection with the provision of a heath service by a registered health practitioner or an unregistered health practitioner at the premises on which the health service is provided, e.g. a receptionist at a doctor’s surgery.
Mandatory vaccination requirements for allied health professionals in New South Wales (update)
Mandatory vaccination requirements for allied health practitioners in NSW have now been updated and expanded to include Stage 2 health care workers. The following information regarding these amendments has been provided to Chiropractic Australia by NSW Chief Allied Health Officer, Andrew Davison.
“The NSW Minister Health and Medical Research has made the Public Health (COVID-19 Health Care Workers Vaccination) Order (No.3) 2021 which revokes and remakes the Public Health (COVID-19 Health Care Workers Vaccination) Order (No.2) 2021 with amendments.
The current No 2 order requires certain health workers to be vaccinated in order to work, including staff of the NSW Health system and people who work at private health facilities. This existing group of workers will be known as Stage 1 health care workers in the No 3 Order. The No 3 Order continues these requirements and extends them to Stage 2 health care workers.
Stage 2 health care workers are non-government health service providers as follows:
- Registered health practitioners, being the 16 professions registered through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency;
- Unregistered / self-regulated health practitioners, being practitioners currently covered by the NSW Health Code of Conduct for Un-registered Health Practitioners. The Code covers any practitioner who provides a health service defined in accordance with the Health Care Complaints Act. This includes, but is not limited to, speech therapists, audiologists, massage therapists, dietitians and naturopaths and other alternative health care practitioners;
- Persons working in medical and community practices or premises where there is direct provision of health services by a health service provider, covering administrative and support staff working in medical and health practices
- Persons working for such a practice offsite, where they have direct physical contact with members of the community
- Certain other persons working in the broader public system, including board members and other appointees appointed by the Minister or Governor under certain health related legislation, such as board members of LHDs and HAC and health professional council members, the and staff of the HCCC
Stage 1 health care workers continue to need to have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to work (unless they have a medical contraindication).
Stage 2 health care workers will only be able to work if the worker:
- has received the first dose by 31 January 2022, and
- second dose by 28 February 2022
Consistent with Stage 1 health care workers, there are obligations on the responsible person (usually the employer) for the stage 2 health care worker to ensure compliance and there are provisions enabling workers with a medical contraindication to continue to work.”
21/12/2021 – Current Public Health Order (PHO) for New South Wales
Following Premier Dominic Perrottet’s announcement regarding the updated Public Health Order for NSW on 15 December 2021, other restrictions have now been significantly eased and aligned for everyone (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) across the state.
Under these revised settings outlined in the Public Health Order (PHO):
QR CODES
There is no requirement for private health practitioners to have QR codes under the new Public Health Order (PHO).
MASKS & FACE COVERINGS
There is no requirement for private health practitioners to wear face coverings / masks
Although mask mandates are no longer in place, NSW Chief Allied Health Officer – Andrew Davison – has provided Chiropractic Australia with the following advice regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), with specific reference to masks face and coverings:
“Although the PHO does not specifically require private health practitioners to wear masks, I would strongly encourage all allied health and other health practitioners to continue wearing masks and other PPE, and continue screening patients coming into their practices for the following reasons:
1. Due to the increasing case numbers, NSW Health has today (December 15th) reverted back to Red Alert which requires all our staff to wear masks and other PPE and screen visitors.
2. Private health practitioners, including allied health, see very vulnerable people at a high risk of serious health complications resulting from COVID-19 and face masks significantly reduce the risk of transmission to and from patients.
3. There have been ‘clusters’ of positive COVID-19 cases in NSW resulting from private allied health practices, particularly practices where face masks have not been worn by clinicians.
4. Wearing face masks also reduces the risk to private allied health businesses because if clinicians are vaccinated and wearing ‘appropriate’ PPE they are less likely to be considered a ‘close contact’ if one of their patients is COVID-19 positive and therefore the requirement and timeframe to self-isolate is reduced.”
For more information about this and risk assessing and managing the exposure of vaccinated staff and PPE see: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/risk-matrix-hcw-vaccinated.pdf
For information about risk assessing and managing the exposure of unvaccinated staff and PPE see: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/risk-matrix-hcw-unvaccinated.pdf
For more advice for health care professionals, including PPE and screening patients, please go to https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/advice-for-professionals.aspx
————————–
Vaccination order to be extended to primary care and private sector health service providers
According to the update from NSW Health on December 16th, Mandatory vaccination requirements will be extended to all primary care and other private sector health service providers across NSW, with these workers required to have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine by 31 January 2022.*
*Please note: Whilst this change is expected, it is yet to be formerly enacted. Chiropractic Australia has reached out to NSW Health and will update members regarding this ammendment and when it commences as soon as this information comes to light.
The revised Public Health Order will extend vaccination requirements to health practitioners working in private and community settings, as well as support staff working in these practices, consistent with the with requirements in other states and territories; including Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
Obligations for employers to take reasonable steps to ensure workers comply with these vaccination requirements, and for workers to provide evidence of vaccination will also apply. Workers will not be able to work in these settings unless they are vaccinated or have a medical contraindication certified by a medical practitioner.
14/12/2021 – NSW COVID restrictions to ease on December 15th, changes to masks, check-ins, unvaccinated freedoms
The changes – which were unveiled that has a updated roadmap by Premier Dominic Perrottet in November – will also see restrictions align for all, regardless of vaccination status. Under the plan, masks will only be required on public transport, planes and airports and for unvaccinated front-of-house hospitality staff, density limits will also be scrapped, as will QR code check-ins for most retail and hospitality venues.
To view the full list of rules and restrictions that apply to businesses throughout NSW Click Here
07/09/2021 – Mandatory vaccination requirements for allied health professionals in New South Wales
The following information has been provided to Chiropractic Australia by NSW Chief Allied Health Officer, Andrew Davison.
The information below includes:
- Vaccination requirements for employees that work in healthcare facilities
- Vaccination requirements for authorised workers
- Travel registration requirements for authorised workers to leave Greater Sydney or enter /leave an LGA of concern.
- Vaccination requirements for aged care workers and others who work in or enter aged care facilities
- Vaccination requirements for disability and early childhood care workers
- Vaccination requirements for allied health professionals working in private practices
- Evidence of vaccination or exemption
Vaccination requirements for employees that work in healthcare facilities
From 30 September 2021, all healthcare workers in public and private healthcare facilities must have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to continue working in those facilities (or have evidence of a medical exemption).
From 14 November 2021, healthcare workers must be fully vaccinated (two doses) to continue to work.
Who is considered a healthcare worker?
The mandatory vaccination requirement will apply to all staff* working in connection with a health agency, including:
- Public Health Organisations (Local Health Districts, Specialty Health Networks (SHNs), Pillars and Affiliated Health Organisations**)
- NSW Ministry of Health
- Health Administration Corporation (HAC) entities, Ambulance Service, NSW Health Pathology, HealthShare, Health Protection, Health Infrastructure, Health Professionals Councils Authority (HPCA)
- All staff working at a Private Health Facility (licensed under the Private Health Facilities Act**) both private hospitals and day procedures
- Students in clinical placements in private facilities.
Note:
*Staff includes employees, Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs), volunteers, contractors, and students. Work is defined broadly to cover employees, contractors, VMOs, visiting practitioners, volunteers and students undertaking clinical placements. The Order does not include private primary care providers such as GPs. Disability workers and aged care workers are covered by different public health orders and have different requirements.
** Private health facilities and affiliated health organisation are defined by the Private Health Facilities Act and Health Services Act 1997, respectively. See attached table of affiliated organisations.
Vaccination requirements for authorised workers.
All Allied Health Professionals as considered authorised workers under the Public Health Order.
From 9 September 2021, authorised workers who live in an LGA of concern must not leave their LGA for work unless they have:
- had at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or evidence of a medical exemption (in a form approved by NSW Health), or
- an appointment booked to be vaccinated on or before 19 September 2021 and have evidence of the appointment.
Information about priority vaccination for authorised workers can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/authorised-workers
Travel registration requirements for authorised workers to leave Greater Sydney or enter /leave a LGA of concern.
From Saturday 28 August 2021, authorised workers must register when travelling outside of Greater Sydney or/and when leaving or entering a local government area of concern for work.
Details about registering travel can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/travel-registration
Vaccination requirements for aged care workers and others who work in or enter aged care facilities
From 9am on 17 September 2021, employees of operators of facilities or a person who provides services for the facility for one or more residents (whether or not they are engaged by the facility) must not enter or remain on the premises of a residential aged care facility unless they have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or provide evidence of a medical exemption.
Note: This does not include maintenance contractors, service providers engaged directly by individual residents, or students
From 9am on 31 October 2021, a health practitioner or a student who is not included in the categories listed above must not enter or remain on the premises of a residential aged care facility unless they have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or provide evidence of a medical exemption (in a form approved by NSW Health).
The obligation does not apply to a health practitioner who enters a residential aged care facility to respond to a medical emergency.
Vaccination requirements for disability and early childhood care workers
From 9 September 2021, disability and early childhood care workers who live or works in a LGA of concern must not enter their place of work or provide service to someone with a disability unless they have:
- had at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or evidence of a medical exemption (in a form approved by NSW Health), or
- an appointment booked to be vaccinated on or before 19 September 2021 and have evidence of the appointment.
From 20 September they must had at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or evidence of a medical exemption (in a form approved by NSW Health)
Note: Advice from the NSW Public Health Response Branch is that this would include Allied Health Professionals providing services to people with a disability.
Vaccination requirements for Allied Health Professionals working in private practices
Vaccination for COVID-19 is now mandatory for many health practitioners, including allied health professionals working in various health settings and patient groups (as noted above).
Currently there is no mandatory requirement under the NSW Public Health Order for allied health professionals to be vaccinated who only work in a private practice if they do not provide services in healthcare or aged care facilities or live or/and work in an LGA of concern. It is strongly recommended that all health practitioners are vaccinate including those where vaccination is not mandated.
Evidence of vaccination or exemption
Allied health professionals who are required to be vaccinated must:
- carry evidence of vaccination or medical exemption and their address
- produce the evidence to their employer, the occupier of their place of work, a police officer or an authorised officer, if requested.
Evidence of a medical exemption must be from a medical practitioner in the form approved by the NSW Chief Health Officer.
Evidence of vaccination can include an:
- online immunisation history statement or
- COVID-19 digital certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register
16/08/2021 – Current Restrictions across New South Wales
All of New South Wales remains under stay-at-home restrictions, with special rules remaining in place for local government areas of concern in Greater Sydney – including Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield, and some suburbs of Penrith.
Chiropractic Australia has spoken with NSW Chief Allied Health Officer, Andrew Davison, who reiterated his previous advice to practitioners outlined below;
“It is really important that all health practitioners encourage their patients to stay at home and where possible avoid face to face services and contact. Only if not providing the service is likely to result in a deterioration in someone’s health and it cannot be delayed or provided via telehealth should a face to face service be provided as a last resort.”
For further information, please visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules.
26/07/2021 – Restrictions and Requirements for Western Sydney
Chiropractic Australia has spoken with NSW Chief Allied Health Officer – Andrew Davison – to clarify the testing requirements for authorised health workers in affected local government areas across Western Sydney. A summary of this advice is as follows.
Canterbury-Bankstown aged care and health worker COVID-19 testing
From the beginning of 23 July, if you live in or are staying in the Canterbury-Bankstown local government area but you work outside this area, you must have a COVID-19 test once every 72 hours (3 days) in order to be allowed to go to work as an aged care or health worker.
Fairfield COVID-19 testing
If you live in or are staying in the Fairfield local government area but you work outside this area, you must have a COVID-19 test once every 72 hours (3 days) in order to be allowed to go to work as an authorised worker.
For more information about the current restrictions and requirements in Western Sydney, and further details regarding the mandatory testing process, please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/greater-sydney.
19/07/2021 – Correspondence from the NSW Chief Health Officer
Please follow this link to read the recent letter from the NSW Chief Health Officer – Dr Kerry Chant – to NSW Health Practitioners with regard to the COVID-19 restrictions currently in place across the state.
12/07/2021 – Service NSW QR code
Stay at home orders apply to Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour until 11.59pm on Friday, 9 July 2021.
As of Monday 12 July 2021, the use of the Service NSW QR code is mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from as per the update found here. For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available. You can register your business as COVID Safe and to apply for a QR code here.
From 6pm on Saturday 26 June, the stay at home direction applies to people who live in, usually work in, or usually attend a university or other tertiary education facility in Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas until 11:59pm on Friday 16 July 2021. The requirement to wear a face mask in all indoor areas of non-residential premises is still in effect. In addition wearing a face mask in all indoor areas, you must also wear a face mask:
- • at certain outdoor gatherings
- • if you are on public transport
- • in a major recreation facility such as a stadium or
- • if you are working in a hospitality venue
We acknowledge the challenges COVID-19 continues to have on our community, we encourage you to continue to visit NSW Health for the latest updates.
30/06/2021 – Stay at Home Orders – Greater Sydney
Please be aware that display and use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday, 12 July 2021 as per the update found here.
To register your business as COVID Safe and to apply for a QR code, visit
here.
For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available.
The requirement to wear a face mask in all indoor areas of non-residential premises that was recently applied in Greater Sydney has been extended to all of NSW until at least 9th July in line with current restrictions.
As well as wearing a face mask in all indoor areas, you must also wear a face mask:
- at certain outdoor gatherings
- if you are on public transport
- in a major recreation facility such as a stadium or
- if you are working in a hospitality venue
We acknowledge the challenges COVID-19 continues to have on our community, we encourage you to continue to visit NSW Health via
Chiropractic Australia, as the peak body for the Chiropractic Community, continues to liaise with government departments in relation to the impacts of COVID-19. We will continue to share information as it comes to light and will provide this on our website.
30/06/2021 –
Stay at Home Orders – Greater Sydney
Stay at home orders apply to Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour until 11.59pm on Friday, 9 July 2021.
- If you can work from home, you must.
- If you cannot work from home, you are allowed to only travel to and from work.
- Chiropractors and Osteopaths and their patients must wear masks
The lockdown in the Australian Capital Territory has today been extended by two weeks after 19 new local cases were detected, with current restrictions expected to be in place until at least September 2, 2021. Please visit Lockdown in the ACT – COVID-19 for the latest updates and current restrictions for Allied Health Practitioners.
16/12/2021 – South Australia Borders
The South Australian border is now open to interstate travellers. Rules apply – Click here for more info
30/06/2021 – Level 5 Restrictions in South Australia
As of 6:00 pm, 20 July 2021, Level 5 restrictions are now in effect across South Australia as a measure to control the spread of COVID-19 in the state. With regards to provision of care by chiropractic practitioners and other allied health professionals, it is important to note that only essential health services are authorised at this time.
According to the current settings outlined by the SA Government, accessible at Current activity restrictions | SA.GOV.AU: COVID-19, the following are classified as essential health services;
– Allied health services provided by allied health professionals working as authorised workers in hospitals providing critical clinical care or as directed by the hospital
– Allied health services provided by allied health professionals working in private practice providing care through telehealth and other virtual care options
– Students, medical/nursing/midwifery/allied health on placement providing essential care in hospitals or through telehealth
– Allied health services in the aged care or disability sector
– Allied health services for relief of chronic pain
For more information, please visit https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/.
30/06/2021
Please be reminded that Chiropractors and Osteopaths and their patients must wear masks. For full details of the restrictions, click here.
13/1/2022 – Proof of vaccination to expand state-wide from Monday 31 January
Please note: Chiropractors, staff and their patients do not currently require proof of vaccination under the recent directives, unless they are working within the community or public health setting. Chiropractic Australia endorses the Australian Government’s policy and position on vaccinations as a simple and effect way of protecting people against preventable and infectious diseases.
Based on the latest health advice, from Monday 31 January, 2022, proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements will apply state-wide and be expanded to include new higher-risk venues.
Proof of vaccination is already required to enter some venues and events in Perth and Peel.
From Monday 31 January, proof of vaccination for people aged 16 years and over will be required state-wide for:
- Visitors to public and private hospitals, and residential aged care facilities;
- All hospitality and food and licensed venues:
- including restaurants, dine-in fast food, cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, taverns;
- excluding food and non-alcoholic beverage takeaway, roadhouses, and service stations
- Bottle shops;
- Indoor entertainment venues, including play centres, gaming and gambling, theatres, concert halls, museums, cinemas and live music venues, including the Perth Convention Centre;
- Nightclubs;
- The Crown Perth complex;
- Major stadiums;
- Gyms, fitness studios and centres;
- Amusement Parks and the Zoo; and
- Music festivals and large events with more than 500 people, unless exempt.
Community sport and school-based events, unless at one of the specific venues listed, are excluded from the proof of vaccination requirement.
Venues, staff and patrons will all have a shared responsibility when it comes to showing proof of vaccination, with venues required to take reasonable steps to ensure all patrons are double dose vaccinated, or have a medical exemption.
The WA Government has launched the ServiceWA app – a free, convenient and secure mobile application that will help Western Australians with proof of vaccination requirements.
People can also show proof of vaccination either in a digital or paper-based form, along with acceptable forms of identification if they do not use the ServiceWA app to show proof.
03/01/2022 – Eased public health measures from 6am Tuesday, January 4
Click here for more information.
01/01/2022 – Border controls with ACT & Tasmania strengthen
Click here for more information.
30/12/2021 – Covid Update: QLD and SA to transition to ‘extreme risk’ under controlled border
Click here for more information.
21 – Covid Update: WA announces Border Opening
Premier Mark McGowan says “WA will ease it hard border restrictions on February 5th 2022”.
WA’s Safe Transition Plan outlines safe conditions for interstate and international travel and provides certainty on how businesses and WA’s way of life can continue safely with the introduction of public health and social measures once COVID-19 enters WA’s community.
From Saturday 5 February, 2022, you will need to:
- wear a mask in certain venues and settings (usual exemptions apply)
- provide proof of being double dose vaccinated against COVID-19 when entering certain businesses, venues and large events
- check in using the SafeWA app or a manual contact register.
Additional public health and social measures will be introduced for regions in WA that have not reached an 80 per cent vaccination rate at the time of WA’s transition to protect residents and vulnerable communities.
Get ready for WA’s transition now by:
- getting vaccinated against COVID-19, including your third dose when you are eligible
- having your proof of COVID-19 vaccination ready
- linking Medicare to your myGov account and creating your Digital Identity, in preparation for the WA Government’s new mobile app, available in early 2022
- making sure you have a supply of masks at home.
Click here for more information on how to get ready for WA’s transition.
16/09/2020 – Health Worker (Restrictions on Access) Directions (No 3)
The directions prevent health care workers and health support workers from entering health care facilities if they have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Read more here
30/06/2021 –
4 Day Lockdown
A four day lockdown has been announced for Western Australia and these settings are expected to be in place until 12.01am Saturday, 3rd July 2021. For full details of the restrictions, click here.
The lockdown will be in place for Perth and Peel. Please be reminded that:
- If you can work from home, you must.
- If you cannot work from home, you are allowed to only travel to and from work.
- Chiropractors and Osteopaths and their patients must wear masks
25/03/2021 – COVID-19: Update On WA Lockdown Information for Allied Health Professionals
Stay at Home and Closure Directions are now in effect across Perth, Peel and Rottnest, with these new restrictions expected – on the most recent advice – to last until 12:01 am on Tuesday, 27 April 2021. In line with the limited exceptions outlined in section 41J (ii) of the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA), Chiropractic Australia is encouraging practitioners in the region to provide services via telehealth where possible over the three-day lockdown period.
Chiropractic practitioners in WA should also refer to the official directions from the WA Government for specific details regarding provisional exceptions for face-to-face service delivery permitted under the conditions of ‘essential health service’ as described in paragraph 41J (i) of the document accessible here.
Chiropractic Australia is committed to keeping members up-to-date and informed about the current situation in Western Australia, and will continue to update those affected as new details come to hand.
21/12/2021 – Current Public Health Order (PHO) for Queensland
On 2 December 2021, Queensland’s declared public health emergency for COVID-19 was extended to 11.59pm on Saturday 26 March 2022.
The Public Health (Further Extension of Declared Public Health Emergency—COVID-19) Regulation (No. 4) 2021 was made by Queensland’s Governor in Council, and extends all active Public Health Directions issued by the state’s Chief Health Officer.
Regarding workers in healthcare settings, the latest directions (in effect from 16 December 2021) are outlined here.
This public health direction applies to workers in healthcare (which includes AHPRA-registered practitioners) who enter, work in, or provide services in a healthcare setting (which encompasses private provider facilities including allied health consulting offices).
REMINDER: From 23 December 2021, a worker in healthcare must be fully vaccinated; excepting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to a current medical contraindication and for which additional conditions (including daily testing) applies.
17/12/2021 – Queensland Health Business directives for Covid-19
From 1am AEST Friday 17th December 2021,
people undertaking a business will need to have double vaccination as per the Queensland health guidelines.
Click here for more information.
13/12/2021 – Queensland makes major changes to quarantine rules
From 1am AEST Monday 13th December 2021, Border restrictions will change for people travelling to Queensland from a hotspot, the border zone and overseas.
Click here to view the rules and regulations for Queensland.
09/07/2021 – Queensland: Compulsory Use of QR Code
In addition to the hospitality sector, from 9 July 2021 the Check In Qld app will be mandatory for a number of new sectors. For the full the full list, click here. By definition, chiropractic and osteopathy falls under the category of Massage (therapeutic) and practitioners will therefore be
required to display and use the Check In QLD app. To apply for your QR code, click here.
For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available using a method outlined in paragraphs 13 and 14 of the previous page link. We acknowledge the challenges COVID-19 continues to have on our community, we encourage you to continue to visit
QLD Health.
Chiropractic Australia, as the peak body for the Chiropractic Community, continues to liaise with government departments in relation to the impacts of COVID-19. We will continue to share information as it comes to light and will provide this on our website.
20/06/2021
– 3 Day Lockdown
A three day lockdown has been announced for Queensland going into effect as of 6pm tonight and these settings are expected to be in place until Friday, 2nd July 2021.
For full details of the restrictions, click here.
The lockdown will be in place for the following Local Government Areas:
- Noosa
- Sunshine Coast
- Ipswich
- Logan
- Redlands
- Moreton Bay
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Scenic Rim
- Lockyer Valley
- Somerset
- Townsville City
- Palm Island Aboriginal Shire
20/12/2021 – Masks
As of 12.01am 20.12.2021 masks are required to be worn in all settings across Tasmania.
A joint statement from the 15 National Boards and AHPRA has been published about the National Boards’ expectations of Australian registered health practitioners and COVID-19 vaccination. The statement explains how the Boards’ existing regulatory frameworks apply to COVID-19 vaccination. This statement should be read in conjunction with the standards, codes, guidelines, position statements and other guidance published by National Boards including for chiropractors the Statement on the provision of health information which contains important information for chiropractors on vaccination and information sharing. Vaccination is a crucial part of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many registered health practitioners will have a vital role in COVID-19 vaccination programs and in educating the public about the importance and safety of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure high participation rates. The position statement explains how the National Boards’ existing regulatory frameworks apply to COVID-19 vaccination and states the National Boards’ expectations of Australian registered health practitioners in regard to: being vaccinated against COVID-19, administering COVID-19 vaccines, and providing advice and information about COVID-19 vaccination. This statement will be found on the Chiropractic Board of Australia website here.
06/01/2021 – Territory-wide Lockout
The NT Governement has just declared a territory-wide lockout from 1pm today (06/01/2022). You can learn more here.
The below guidance is based on information provided by State and Territory Governments, which Chiropractic Australia understands to be correct as at the time of publication. However this is the interpretation of Chiropractic Australia, the information may be subject to change and we will update our guidance accordingly should this be the case. If you require specific clarification and further details regarding the current restrictions, please visit your local State or Territory Government website.
15/06/2021 – Snap Lockdown in Victoria
A snap 5-day lockdown has just been announced for Victoria – going into effect as of 11:59pm tonight, July 15, 2021 – and these settings are expected to be in place until 11:59pm on Tuesday July 20, 2021. You can find the full details of the restrictions and you can access the full Table of Restrictions here.
According the document above, Allied health professionals working in private or public community services, whether clinic-based or home-based, providing essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate are classifed as authorised workers.
In addition to the above conditions pertaining to the provision of allied health services, it should also be be noted that face masks must be worn indoors at all times (except at home) and outdoors when it’s not possible to physically distance.
09/06/2021 – Easing of Circuit Breaker Restrictions in Victoria
Chiropractic Australia welcomes the announced easing of restrictions in Victoria – effective as for 11:59pm on Thursday 10 June, 2021 – and the ability for Victorian Chiropractors to return back to work at this time. You can see the full Statement from the Acting Premier
here and you can access the full Table of Restrictions here.
27/05/2021 – 7-day Circuit Breaker Restrictions in effect across Victoria
11.59PM THURSDAY 27 MAY to 11.59PM THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021
7-day Circuit Breaker Restrictions have just been announced for Victoria – going into effect as of 11:59pm tonight – and these settings are expected to be in place until 11:59pm on June 3, 2021. For full details of the restrictions please click here.
Chiropractic Australia has been in contact with Donna Markham – Chief Allied Health Officer – to provide clarification around these restrictions and key terminology in relation to Allied Health Professionals; a summary of this guidance is outlined below.
Under these settings, only Authorised Health Services will be permitted, which are defined as;
- Allied Health services provided by allied health professionals working as authorised workers in hospitals or in residential care facilities providing critical clinical care or as directed by the hospital: or
- Allied Health workers professionals working in private or public community services, whether clinic-based or home-based, providing essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate; or
- Allied Health services provided by allied health professionals working in private practice providing care through telehealth and other virtual care options
- Students, medical/nursing/midwifery/allied health on placement providing authorised care in hospitals or in residential care facilities, or through telehealth.
*Please note that Routine care is not permitted*.
With regards to face-to-face provision of Allied Health services permitted under the 7-day Circuit Breaker Restrictions, essential clinical care is defined as:
- To prevent a significant change/deterioration in functional independence which would result in an escalation of care needs (e.g. an increase in frequency of treatment needed, an increased need for prescription medication due to a significant increase in pain, requirement for specialist input or review, an increase in care needs, and/or a substantial increase to anticipated recovery time associated with a delay in receiving services)
- To provide assessment and diagnostic services to clients / patients whose care have been delayed as a result of previous restrictions, with any further delay likely to result in deterioration in functional independence or adverse health outcomes (including access to diagnostic imaging services or assessment for prescription of assistive equipment and technology)
- To provide services that are essential as part of a broader plan of care with a medical practitioner (e.g. fitting a brace post-surgery)
- To provide services that are part of a conservative management plan to avoid or delay elective surgery (as agreed with treating team)
- To provide services immediately following elective surgery that prevent secondary complications or aid functional recovery (as agreed with treating team).
25/05/2021 – Additional COVIDSafe Measures for Greater Melbourne
Due to the recent cases in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, additional COVIDSafe Measures have been put in place in Greater Melbourne.
From 6pm tonight (May 25th 2021), face masks will need to be worn by everyone aged 12 years and older when indoors, unless an exemption applies.
Victorians who live in Greater Melbourne and need to travel to regional Victoria can still do so however, the restrictions travel with them. As outlined in yesterday’s Member Update Email, use of the Service Victoria QR code service will still be mandatory in all venues and facilities that are required to have mandatory electronic record keeping from Friday, 28 May.
What this means for you & your practice:
- All staff and patients over 12 will be required to wear a mask.
- Any Melbourne-based patient attending a clinic outside Greater Melbourne will be required to wear a mask.
- Any person entering your practice needs to sign in via the Service Victoria QR code service from Friday.
For further details about the additional COVIDSafe settings taking effect at 6pm tonight, please click here.
Please follow this link to read the recent letter from the NSW Chief Health Officer – Dr Kerry Chant – to NSW Health Practitioners with regard to the COVID-19 restrictions currently in place across the state.
12/07/2021 – Service NSW QR code
Stay at home orders apply to Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour until 11.59pm on Friday, 9 July 2021.
As of Monday 12 July 2021, the use of the Service NSW QR code is mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from as per the update found here. For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available. You can register your business as COVID Safe and to apply for a QR code here.
From 6pm on Saturday 26 June, the stay at home direction applies to people who live in, usually work in, or usually attend a university or other tertiary education facility in Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas until 11:59pm on Friday 16 July 2021. The requirement to wear a face mask in all indoor areas of non-residential premises is still in effect. In addition wearing a face mask in all indoor areas, you must also wear a face mask:
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• at certain outdoor gatherings
• if you are on public transport
• in a major recreation facility such as a stadium or
• if you are working in a hospitality venue
We acknowledge the challenges COVID-19 continues to have on our community, we encourage you to continue to visit NSW Health for the latest updates.
Please be aware that display and use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday, 12 July 2021 as per the update found here.
To register your business as COVID Safe and to apply for a QR code, visit here. For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available. The requirement to wear a face mask in all indoor areas of non-residential premises that was recently applied in Greater Sydney has been extended to all of NSW until at least 9th July in line with current restrictions.
As well as wearing a face mask in all indoor areas, you must also wear a face mask:
- at certain outdoor gatherings
- if you are on public transport
- in a major recreation facility such as a stadium or
- if you are working in a hospitality venue
30/06/2021 – Stay at Home Orders – Greater Sydney
Stay at home orders apply to Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour until 11.59pm on Friday, 9 July 2021.
- If you can work from home, you must.
- If you cannot work from home, you are allowed to only travel to and from work.
- Chiropractors and Osteopaths and their patients must wear masks
Please be reminded that Chiropractors and Osteopaths and their patients must wear masks.
For full details of the restrictions, click here.
- If you can work from home, you must.
- If you cannot work from home, you are allowed to only travel to and from work.
- Chiropractors and Osteopaths and their patients must wear masks
25/03/2021 – COVID-19: Update On WA Lockdown Information for Allied Health Professionals
Stay at Home and Closure Directions are now in effect across Perth, Peel and Rottnest, with these new restrictions expected – on the most recent advice – to last until 12:01 am on Tuesday, 27 April 2021. In line with the limited exceptions outlined in section 41J (ii) of the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA), Chiropractic Australia is encouraging practitioners in the region to provide services via telehealth where possible over the three-day lockdown period. Chiropractic practitioners in WA should also refer to the official directions from the WA Government for specific details regarding provisional exceptions for face-to-face service delivery permitted under the conditions of ‘essential health service’ as described in paragraph 41J (i) of the document accessible here. Chiropractic Australia is committed to keeping members up-to-date and informed about the current situation in Western Australia, and will continue to update those affected as new details come to hand.
In addition to the hospitality sector, from 9 July 2021 the Check In Qld app will be mandatory for a number of new sectors. For the full the full list, click here. By definition, chiropractic and osteopathy falls under the category of Massage (therapeutic) and practitioners will therefore be required to display and use the Check In QLD app. To apply for your QR code, click here. For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available using a method outlined in paragraphs 13 and 14 of the previous page link. We acknowledge the challenges COVID-19 continues to have on our community, we encourage you to continue to visit QLD Health. Chiropractic Australia, as the peak body for the Chiropractic Community, continues to liaise with government departments in relation to the impacts of COVID-19. We will continue to share information as it comes to light and will provide this on our website.
- Noosa
- Sunshine Coast
- Ipswich
- Logan
- Redlands
- Moreton Bay
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Scenic Rim
- Lockyer Valley
- Somerset
- Townsville City
- Palm Island Aboriginal Shire
A joint statement from the 15 National Boards and AHPRA has been published about the National Boards’ expectations of Australian registered health practitioners and COVID-19 vaccination. The statement explains how the Boards’ existing regulatory frameworks apply to COVID-19 vaccination. This statement should be read in conjunction with the standards, codes, guidelines, position statements and other guidance published by National Boards including for chiropractors the Statement on the provision of health information which contains important information for chiropractors on vaccination and information sharing. Vaccination is a crucial part of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many registered health practitioners will have a vital role in COVID-19 vaccination programs and in educating the public about the importance and safety of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure high participation rates. The position statement explains how the National Boards’ existing regulatory frameworks apply to COVID-19 vaccination and states the National Boards’ expectations of Australian registered health practitioners in regard to: being vaccinated against COVID-19, administering COVID-19 vaccines, and providing advice and information about COVID-19 vaccination. This statement will be found on the Chiropractic Board of Australia website here.
