COVID-19 Updates
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.
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. Chiropractic Australia has been in contact with Sharon Downie – Acting Chief Allied Health Officer for Victoria – to clarify what these changes mean for Allied Health workers in private practice (and other primary care providers) – the industry specific restrictions for Metro Melbourne & Regional Victoria are summarised as follows:
| Allied Health Intervention –private practice settings |
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| Group Interventions |
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| Face Coverings |
|
| Density Quotient |
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| QR Codes |
|
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).
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.
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
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.
- 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.
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:
-
• 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.
