APodA Updates & Statements

August 23 2021 - Regional Victoria lockdown

Effective from 1pm 21 August 2021, regional Victoria is now under the same restrictions as Metropolitan Melbourne (as per below).

Press release can be found here.

Authorised workers and health services can be found in PDF at bottom of press release.

The definition of urgent clinical care for Allied Health services is defined as:

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 or regional Victoria at this time.

For further information on Victoria statewide restrictions, please see here.

August 20 2021 - Sydney lockdown extended and additional restrictions implemented

From midnight Monday 23 August 2021 Greater Sydney lockdown will extend until the end of September. Greater Sydney includes all those areas that are currently in lockdown in Greater Sydney but for the Central Coast and Shellharbour which will be defined as rural and regional. Rural and regional communities the lockdown is going until at least 28 August

The NSW Government has announced additional rules for the LGAs of concern from midnight Monday 23 August 2021 and will apply for residents and businesses in the LGAs of concern:

Curfew will be introduced from 9pm to 5am (except for authorised workers, emergencies or medical care)
Outdoor exercise is limited to one hour per day
The following retail premises must close except for click and collect: garden centres, office supplies, hardware and building supplies, landscaping materials supplies, rural supplies and pet supplies (trades people are allow to shop in-store where relevant)
Mask wearing will be mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising (this includes regional NSW until 28 August)

The following new restrictions around workplaces and authorised workers from the LGAs of concern will be introduced:

Authorised workers who work outside of their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August
From Saturday, 28 August authorised workers from the LGAs of concern are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work form home; and
From Saturday, 28 August anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW

APodA members, we will continue to keep you updated as information comes to hand. If you require support, please don't hesitate to contact our member support team on 03 9416 3111 or email info@podiatry.org.au

August 20 2021 - Permit for travel to regional NSW

A permit system for some travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will take effect from 12.01am on Saturday 21 August.

Under the updated public health order, the following people traveling from Greater Sydney to regional NSW require a permit:

anyone from Greater Sydney (including authorised workers from the LGAs of concern) who needs to travel more than 50km from Greater Sydney for work purposes, noting the existing requirement for such workers to have had a COVID test in the previous seven days;
people travelling to a second home outside Greater Sydney. This is now only allowed if you are using the home for work accommodation or if the home requires urgent maintenance and repairs (if so, only one person may travel there
people who are permanently relocating.

For the purposes of this public health order and permit, Greater Sydney will no longer include Shellharbour and the Central Coast. People travelling to Shellharbour and the Central Coast for the above reasons will require a permit to do so.

Permit applications will be made available on the Service NSW website.

Due to ongoing concerns about community transmission in some regional areas, stay-at-home orders in place for regional NSW have been extended until 12.01am on 28 August 2021, in line with orders for the Greater Sydney area.

For further information on COVID-19 rules, please see here.

August 19 2021 - Mandatory COVID-19 vaccine for aged-care workers in SA

With the South Australian government now confirming that, from 17 September 2021, the COVID-19vaccine will be mandatory for allied health workers “who attend and provide care to residents of a residential aged care facility (RACF) whether employed or engaged by the resident, RACF or another person”, the APodA HR Advisory Service would like to alert members to the different workplace implications of this direction. Please refer to the HR Resource Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine for Aged Care Workers in South Australia for further information here.

August 19 2021 - Queensland restrictions update

The Queensland Government have announced that from 4pm Friday 20 August to 4pm Friday 27 August 2021, restrictions will ease for the following LGAs:

Brisbane
Moreton Bay
Ipswich
Lockyer
Somerset
Logan
Redland
Sunshine Coast
Gold Coast
Noosa
Scenic Rim

The rest of Queensland is on stage 3 restrictions.

For more information on changes in Queensland, please visit here.

New resource: COVID-19 Workplace Resource Toolkit 2021

In these truly testing times, with so much of the country recently going into lockdown, we are writing to make sure you know about the employment impact of these announcements and to provide you with new resources and continuing support to help you navigate the many staffing issues you are currently facing.

We have heard your questions and your pain points when it comes to the practical implementation of appropriate COVID-19 staffing strategies. In response we have released this COVID-19 Workplace Resource Toolkit to address some of the issues raised. We will also continue to develop our Microlearning Sessions for you, so that you continue to be guided and supported during these unprecedented challenging times.

Please continue to reach out to our HR Help Desk team by phone, email or online chat so we can provide assistance, capture your on-the-ground experience to support your ongoing business needs and to help you with your challenging staffing issues by resolving the questions you need answered.

Please remember to also check in with yourself and ask for support if you need it. We offer a range of wellbeing resources for you and your families.

For further HR resources and information click here to access the HR Portal.

To contact the HR Team call 1300 620 641 or email hrhotline@podiatry.org.au

We are here for you and will continue our steadfast efforts to support you in any way we can.

Stay safe and healthy.

Regards,
Jack Byrnes
HR Team Leader
APodA HR Advisory Service

August 16, 2021 - Melbourne lockdown extension

The Victorian Premier has today announced the extension of the current lockdown for metropolitan Melbourne until 11.59pm Thursday 2 September.

Additional measures are also being implemented including
a 9pm-5am curfew, beginning at 11.59pm tonight Monday 16 August (Authorised workers are permitted to travel to/from work during curfew).
Permits will be required for authorised workers from 11.59pm Tuesday 17 August.

Podiatrist must use telehealth for where possible and only treat face-to-face if providing urgent clinical care that cannot be delayed.

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 or 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 prevents/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 (ie. delays to child development)

Additionally, from 11:59pm on Tuesday August 17, authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when travelling for work. The permits need to be certified by an employer. Permits will also need to be carried by higher education students who are on the Authorised Provider list. The permits are available from here.

August 16, 2021 - Lockdown for parts of the Northern Territory

Parts of the Northern Territory have gone into a 3 day lockdown from 12pm 16 August:

City of Darwin
City of Palmerston
Litchfield Council
Wagait Shire
Belyuen Shire
Dundee
Bynoe
Charlotte
Cox Peninsula
Municipality of Katherine including Tindal

During this lockdown, the definition of essential worker includes allied health professionals (including podiatrists) when providing critical clinical care as defined similarly to last lockdown.

The definition of critical clinical services agreed by our Senior Allied Health Group that I have provided to the CHO’s Office is:

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 where if care is delayed it is likely to result in 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).

Podiatrists should use telehealth where possible and apply clinical reasoning skills to determine if care can be delayed. Where face to face care needs to occur, please ensure the use of the NT check-in app, masks, social distancing in waiting rooms and restrict numbers attending clinics to the patient and one support person if required.

More details of lockdown restrictions

August 16, 2021 - NSW/QLD Border permit update

Effective from this Friday 23 August, all of NSW is now classified as a ‘hot spot’ by QLD therefore anyone seeking essential health care who needs to cross the border into QLD to receive it must follow these rules which includes the need to be in the border zone, apply for a permit if entering by road, and have a letter from your practitioner.

For private practitioner appointments, patients must complete this form.

Any health care worker holding an exemption to cross the border for work, must have had at least one vaccination in order to cross into QLD.

August 14, 2021 - 1 week lockdown for Regional NSW

The NSW Government has today announced that all of regional NSW will go in to a 1 week lockdown from 5pm tonight, 14 August, ending 12.01am Sunday August 22. This means the whole of New South Wales will be under stay at home restrictions from 5pm today.

A full list of the restrictions, including some changes made today to existing restrictions can be found here.

What this means for practicing podiatry
For podiatrists in NSW the Chief Allied Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has indicated that during this time allied health professionals should only treat patients face-to-face if your clinical judgement determines that their health will deteriorate if they don't receive care. If feasible to do so, please use telehealth appointments and delay all other treatments until after lockdown. You can read the letter from Dr Chant in full here.

Financial assistance
There are a number of financial and business support packages available to support business owners and employees during this challenging time. You can find out about these and apply here.

Mental health support
APodA members, please remember that as part of your membership you have access to a free and confidential counselling service whenever you need it. These are challenging times and we all need to prioritise our mental health, so should you need it, please don't hesitate to seek support. You can find out more about this service and how to use it here.

August 12, 2021 - ACT lockdown

The ACT will go into lockdown for seven days from 5:00pm today (August 12), after the territory recorded a positive case of COVID-19.

Allied Health professionals including podiatrists are considered an essential service during this lockdown and as such can continue to treat patients. Masks must be worn by all staff and patients and the 1 person per 4 square meter rule applies.

A full and detailed explanation of the ACT lockdown restrictions can be found here.

August 12, 2021 - NSW update, additional areas of concern

This morning the NSW Government announced that as of 5pm today (August 12), you can only move within 5km of your home and masks must be worn any time you leave your house if you live within the following LGAs:

Burwood
Bayside
Strathfield

This is in line with previously identified LGAs of concern and 12 suburbs in Penrith LGA.

The suburbs in Bayside LGA include Botany, Brighton le-Sands, Bexley, Banksia, Kogarah, Mascot, Rockdale and Sans Souci.

If you live in one of these LGAs, as an authorised worker you are still able to travel for work. If doing so it is important to do so in a COVID safe way and ensure you understand your obligations in relation to mandatory testing. Information on testing can be found here.

APodA members, should you need assistance, please contact our member services team via info@podiatry.org.au or on 03 9416 3111

August 11, 2021 - Melbourne lockdown extended for a further 7 days

Melbourne’s lockdown has been extended for a further seven days.after Victoria recorded 20 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours. Please continue to use telehealth where possible and only see patients face to face if not doing so would result in a deterioration of health. All other appoints should be delayed until after lockdown.

Business support

August 11, 2021 - NSW update - Dubbo and Northern Rivers lockdown

The NSW Government has announced lockdown for 2 more LGAs in NSW, these are as follows:

Northern Rivers - People who live in or are temporarily staying in the Ballina, Byron, City of Lismore and Richmond Valley local government areas after Saturday 31 July 2021 went into lockdown at 6pm, Monday 9 August 2021 and at this stage it is due to end at 12:01am, Tuesday 17 August 2021.

Dubbo - People who live in or are temporarily staying in the Dubbo local government area will go into lockdown at 1pm today, Wednesday 11 August 2021 and at this stage it is due to end at 12:01am, Thursday 19 August 2021.

For podiatrists in these LGAs, the NSW Chief Allied Health Officer has indicated that during this time allied health professionals should only treat patients face-to-face if your clinical judgement determines that their health will deteriorate if they don't receive care. If feasible to do so, please use telehealth appointments and delay all other treatments until after lockdown.

All NSW rural and regional restrictions
More details can be found on the NSW Health website here.
Business Support.

August 9, 2021 - Updates for NSW, QLD and Victoria

NSW – Tamworth LGA lockdown

The NSW Government has just announced that the Tamworth LGA is an area of concern and will have increased lockdown measures.

If you live in the Tamworth LGA, from 5pm today until 12.01am Tuesday 16 August, you can only move within 5km of your home and masks must be worn any time you leave your house. As a podiatrist you are an authorised worker and are still able to travel for work if necessary. If doing so it is important to do so in a COVID safe way and ensure you understand your obligations in relation to mandatory testing.

Information on testing for authorised workers in areas of concern can be found here.

QLD – Eased restrictions

At 4pm Sunday 8 August, the 11 Local Government Areas in South East Queensland came out of lockdown. Some restrictions will continue to apply for the next two weeks, including:

Mask wearing at all times (including workplaces) except when eating or drinking, or exercising with your household or one other person.
Schools will reopen, with all staff and high school students wearing masks
10 people in your home, including people who live there
20 at weddings and funerals
Businesses and venues with one person per four square metres, or 50 percent capacity with seated, ticket allocations
Community sport not permitted
Avoid travelling to regional Queensland
Visitors allowed to hospitals, aged care and disability accommodation

Restrictions for Impacted Areas Direction (No. 12) (SEQ eased restrictions Stage 1)

VIC – Eased restrictions for Regional Victoria

The lockdown in regional Victoria will lift from 11:59pm tonight as there have been no new coronavirus cases in regional Victoria

People in Regional Victoria will only be able to travel to Melbourne for a permitted reason and you must follow the Melbourne restrictions once there.

Face masks will also still be mandatory indoors and outdoors.

Venues smaller than 100sqm can have up to 25 people before density requirements apply. Retail can also open and personal services such as beauty and tattooing can resume.

All regional Victorians need to continue with their COVIDSafe behaviours – most importantly to get tested immediately if they have any symptoms at all and get vaccinated if it’s their turn.

For more information on the restrictions still in place, you call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

August 8, 2021 - NSW update - additional areas of concern

NSW podiatrists, this morning the NSW Premier announced 12 more suburbs (in addition to the LGAs of Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta) that will have increased lockdown measures.

If you live in one of the following suburbs, from 5pm today, Sunday August 8, you can only move within 5km of your home and masks must be worn any time you leave your house if you live within the following LGAs:

• Caddens
• Claremont Meadows
• Colyton
• Erskine Park
• Kemps Creek
• Kingswood
• Mount Vernon
• North St Marys
• Orchard Hills
• Oxley Park
• St Clair
• St Mary’s

If you live in one of these suburbs, as an authorised worker you are still able to travel for work if necessary. If doing so it is important to do so in a COVID safe way and ensure you understand your obligations in relation to mandatory testing.

Information on testing for authorised workers in areas of concern can be found here.

August 7, 2021 - NSW update - lockdown for Armidale LGA

The NSW Government has today announced that the Armidale local government area will be in lockdown from 5pm today (Saturday 7 August 2021) until 12.01am Sunday 15 August 2021. Restrictions apply to anyone who has been in the Armidale local government area since the beginning of 29 July 2021. The Armidale LGA includes the major town of Armidale and the town of Guyra.

For podiatrists in this LGA, the NSW Chief Allied Health Officer has indicated that during this time allied health professionals should only treat patients face-to-face if your clinical judgement determines that their health will deteriorate if they don't receive care. If feasible to do so, please use telehealth appointments and delay all other treatments until after lockdown.

More details can be found on the NSW Health website here.
Business Support.

August 6, 2021 - Business support for Victoria

The Victorian Government has announced business support for small and medium businesses impacted by this lockdown.

Some of the support packages available include:

COVID-19 Disaster Payments - eligible workers who lose hours due to the lockdown
Business Costs Assistance Program - more than 90,000 businesses will be automatically paid a Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three grant of $2,800
Small Business COVID Hardship Fund - small businesses that are not eligible for support under existing programs and have experienced a 70 per cent reduction in turnover can apply for grants up to $8000.

More information on this support announcement can be found here.

August 5, 2021 - 7-day lockdown for Victoria

As per the Premier’s announcement, Victoria will enter a state-wide 7 day lockdown as of 8.00pm tonight, Thursday 5^th August. The lockdown applies to both metro Melbourne and regional Victoria - there are now only 5 reasons for individuals to leave their home:

Shopping for necessary goods and services (one person per household, once per day, a support person can accompany if required) within 5km of your home or nearest location
Caregiving or compassionate reasons
Authorised work or permitted education, or work interstate
Exercise (up to two hours, with one other person or members of your household) within 5km of your home
Receipt of a vaccination

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).

Specific restrictions applicable at this time are also as follows:

Metro Melbourne & Regional Victoria
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 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

August 5, 2021 - NSW Update, 1 week lockdown for Hunter and Newcastle regions

Newcastle and the Hunter region will go into a one-week lockdown after an unexplained COVID-19 case in the area. The lockdown include includes the LGAs of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook.

For allied health professionals, including podiatrists living or working in these areas, please follow the same advice that the NSW CAHO gave to podiatrists in Greater Sydney, which is as follows:

• Encourage your patients and the people in your communities to stay at home.

• Contact patients before presenting to ensure they do not attend if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or have been identified as a close or casual contact, and to wear a mask when attending.

• Use telehealth appointments, if this is feasible. Only treat patients face-to-face if their health will deteriorate if they don't receive care.

• Ensure all staff use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including during consultations

• Set up the Service NSW QR check-in or other electronic entry recording system, and ensure visitors and staff attending use it as they enter your premises. This includes contractors and personnel making deliveries.

• Where possible, restrict visitors to patients and those supporting a vulnerable person.

• Urge all staff to get vaccinated. Clinical and non-clinical health care workers are eligible under phase 18 of the vaccination program.

• Encourage patients to get vaccinated as soon as eligible. NSW Health supports the use of AstraZeneca vaccine as outlined in the ATAGI advice. Please discuss the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination with your patients in the context of current community

Members, you can keep across all Covid-19 updates by visiting the Covid-19 updates page in the member resources section of podiatry.org.au and should you require assistance please get in touch with our member services team.

More information will be available tonight on the NSW Government website.

August 4, 2021 - Mandatory vaccination for aged care workers

The Commonwealth has determined that allied health working in Aged care are included in mandatory vaccination requirements. It is important to note that there may be nuances in individual state or territory health orders. Details for members cann be found here.

August 2, 2021 - Queensland lock down extended for 11 LGAs

The Queensland Government has this morning announced that the current Queensland lockdown will last for 8 days, extended until 4pm on August 8th.

The extended lockdown restrictions will affect 11 LGAs including:

Brisbane City
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Gold Coast
Ipswich
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Logan City
Noosa Shire Council
Redland City
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Somerset Regional Council
Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Anyone who was in these LGAs (including Allied Health Professionals) at or after 1am Saturday 31 July 2021 is also required to follow the same lockdown rules even if they are no longer in South-East Queensland.

Anyone in the affected LGAs will be required to stay at home except for essential reasons, including:

obtaining essentials such as groceries or medications
obtaining medical treatment or other health care services
essential work if you cannot work from home
physical exercise outdoors within a 10km radius of your home, and with no more than one
person from outside your household
getting a COVID-19 test or scheduled vaccination
providing help, care or support to a vulnerable person.

Restrictions for South East Queensland Allied Health Professionals

All allied health professionals, working in the LGAs listed above are considered to provide essential services. Attending a health care appointment is one of the reasons that individuals may leave home and allied health private practices are still permitted to operate.

It is strongly encouraged that any non-urgent appointments, including group therapy appointments, are postponed or converted to telehealth where appropriate. Physical distancing must be observed to the extent possible and contact information must be collected.

Face masks

Anyone who is in in the LGAs listed above from must carry a face mask at all times, unless there is a lawful reason not to. A mask must be worn in indoor spaces, including health care settings and allied health private practices.

This includes for allied health practitioners providing care where physical distancing is not possible or unlikely to be maintained for the duration of the therapy session, or for workplaces where physical distancing is not possible. There are some other exceptions to wearing face masks, including for children under 12 and people with particular medical conditions or disabilities. Find more information on PPE here

Read the Queensland Health 'Restrictions in Health Update' here.

July 31, 2021 - Snap lockdown for South-east Queensland

The Queensland Government has this morning announced that South-east Queensland will go into a snap three-day lockdown from 4:00pm today after six new locally acquired cases of the Delta COVID variant were reported.

The 11 LGAs in south-east Queensland impacted include:

Brisbane City
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Gold Coast
Ipswich
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Logan City
Noosa Shire Council
Redland City
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Somerset Regional Council
Sunshine Coast Regional Council

During the lockdown of 11 local government area (LGAs), people will only be able to leave their homes for four reasons:

* obtaining essential goods
* essential work, school or childcare
* exercise with only one person from outside the household
* caring for a vulnerable person or seeking medical treatment or a COVID-19 vaccination or test.

Obtaining goods or exercising will be restricted to within 10 kilometres of your home.

Schools and childcares will only be open for essential workers and vulnerable families, and masks will need to be worn by teachers and students

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said no visitors would be allowed at homes within those 11 LGAs.

The APodA is urgently clarifying what this means for podiatrists and will update members as soon as the details are at hand.

Details regarding this lockdown will also be available later today on the Queensland Government website here.

July 30, 2021 - Mandatory masks for South East Queensland

QLD podiatrists, from 6am AEST Friday 30 July until 6am AEST Friday 6 August, anyone who has been in a South East Queensland impacted area in the last 14 days must continue to wear a face mask

The impacted areas of South East Queensland include:

City of Brisbane
Moreton Bay Regional Council
City of Gold Coast
City of Ipswich
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Logan City
Noosa Shire Council
Redland City
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Somerset Regional Council
Sunshine Coast Regional Council

You can read the full details of the current restrictions here.

July 29, 2021 - Increased restrictions for 8 Greater Sydney LGAs.

This morning that the NSW Premier announced that as of tomorrow, you can only move within 5km of your home and masks must be worn any time you leave your house if you live within the following LGAs:

Fairfield
Canterbury-Bankstown
Liverpool
Cumberland
Blacktown
Parramatta
George's River
Campbelltown

July 28, 2021 - Lockdown extended for Greater Sydney

This morning the NSW Premier announced that Greater Sydney will be in lockdown for another four weeks, ending on August 28. In addition to this, given localised case numbers, the Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River LGAs will join the five existing LGAs of concern which are subject to an Authorised Workers Order. Only authorised workers in these eight LGAs may leave their LGA for work.

The five previously announced LGAs of concern are Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown and Cumberland.

Details regarding these restrictions will be available on the NSW Health website later today here.

In light of these extended restrictions the Premier also announced that there will be significant financial support for both businesses and employees. This will include an increase in business grants and Job Saver payments, with a further announcement to come later today from the Federal Government. NSW Government business support updates will be available later today here.

July 27, 2021 - Lockdown lifting update for podiatrists in Victoria and South Australia

As per announcements from both the Victorian and South Australian Premiers this morning, changes to the current Victorian and South Australia lockdown restrictions will come into effect as of 11.59pm tonight - Tuesday 27th July.

These lifting of restrictions will mean that individuals will be able to leave their homes for any reason, however the requirement for COVIDsafe behaviours will remain in place. Details of remaining restrictions can be found for each state below:

Victoria
South Australia

For Allied Health private practice (and other primary care providers), individual face to face services are permitted for essential and routine care, where that care is not able to be provided via telehealth. Telehealth remains the preferred service delivery model wherever clinically appropriate. When in clinics, the restrictions require staff and patients to wear a mask, follow the social distancing protocol of 1 to 4m2 and check-in.

Check in in Victoria using free Victorian Government QR Code Service.
Check in in South Australia.

Residents from the LGAs of Wagga Wagga, Hay Shire Council, Lockhart Shire Council and Murrumbidgee Councils are now required to apply for a Specified Worker Permit, transit permit or an exemption to enter Victoria. They are no longer included in the cross-border bubble and are included in the Extreme Risk Zone, in line with the rest of NSW. You can apply for a permit here.

July 23, 2021 - NSW Podiatrists, increased restrictions for Cumberland and Blacktown Local Government Areas

Due to the emergence of further cases of community transmission in Sydney’s west and south-west, people living the Cumberland and Blacktown Local Government Areas (LGAs) will only be allowed to leave their LGA if they are an authorised worker.

Surveillance testing every 72 hours applies to all authorised workers who live in the Fairfield LGA and, starting from midnight tonight (July 23), health and aged care workers who live in the Canterbury Bankstown LGA.

From 12.01am today, a person who lives in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA can only work in health or aged care outside of the LGA if they have been tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours. These workers include all those who work in aged care facilities and those who provide health services or ancillary or support services, including cleaners, cooks, and security providers.

More details regarding this change will be updated later today on the NSW Health website here.

July 22, 2021 - NSW podiatrists in Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown

If you live in the Fairfield, Liverpool, or Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas you can only leave your local government area (LGA) that you live in for work in health or aged care.

From the beginning of tomorrow, Friday 23 July 2021 if you do have to leave your LGA for this reason, you must have a COVID-19 test once every 72 hours (3 days) in order to be allowed to go to work.

Full details of this new restriction can be found here.

July 21, 2021 - Update for SA Podiatrists

The APodA shares the frustrations we are hearing from a number of members in South Australia regarding the current restrictions. We are actively advocating, in collaboration with Allied Health Professions Australia, for the broadening of restrictions to allow allied health providers working in private practice to provide face-to-face consultations for critical clinical care.

Please note, the detailed restrictions for this SA lockdown released today indicate that allied health can treat aged and disability care sectors and chronic pain. You can review these details here.

APodA members, our HR service has also released an important update to assist our SA member podiatrists, this can be accessed in your HR portal here.

Our APodA member services team are on standby to support members. You can contact them on 03 9416 3111 or via info@podiatry.org.au

July 20, 2021 - Stay-at-home orders for Orange, Blayney, Cabonne

In light of the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for the Orange City Council, Blayney Shire Council, and Cabonne Shire Council areas from 12.01am Wednesday July 21 until 12.01am Wednesday July 28.

Everyone in these areas must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason.

The reasons you may leave your home include:
• Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
• Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact);
• Exercise outdoors in groups of 2 or fewer (unless members of the same household);
• Work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home.
• To attend a wedding or a funeral (but only during the grace period, which ends at 12:01am on Friday 23 July 2021). After this date, funerals will be limited to ten people.
• Masks must be worn indoors (not including the home) and in outdoor settings where you cannot socially distance from others (e.g. while queuing for takeaway).

For allied health professionals, including podiatrists living or working in these areas, please follow the same advice that the NSW CAHO gave to podiatrists in Greater Sydney a few days ago, which is as follows:

• Encourage your patients and the people in your communities in Greater Sydney to stay at home.

• Contact patients before presenting to ensure they do not attend if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or have been identified as a close or casual contact, and to wear a mask when attending.

• Use telehealth appointments, if this is feasible. In Greater Sydney, only see patients face-to face if their health will deteriorate if they don't receive care.

• Ensure all staff use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including during consultations

• Where possible, restrict visitors to patients and those supporting a vulnerable person.

• Urge all staff to get vaccinated. Clinical and non-clinical health care workers are eligible under phase 18 of the vaccination program.

July 20, 2021 - SA 7-day lockdown update

Further to our earlier communication, during the 7 day the level 5 lockdown in South Australia from 6pm tonight the following information indicates the contexts in which allied health professionals are considered essential workers:

• 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; • the following mental health services;

• hospital emergency or inpatient psychiatric services;

• allied health professionals providing mental health services in hospital • private consultant psychiatry practice by telehealth or by faceto-face (but only in the instance of emergency clinical care for potentially life-threatening situations where telehealth is not clinically appropriate); • allied health professionals providing mental health services in community settings by telehealth or by face-to-face (but only in the instance of emergency clinical care for potentially life-threatening situations where telehealth is not clinically appropriate).

As such, please ensure you contact all patients to switch appointments to telehealth if possible or re-schedule appointments until after the lockdown period if telehealth is not appropriate.

APodA members, we will keep you up to date with financial support information as it comes to hand, We understand this is a difficult time, so if you need support please contact our member services team on 03 9416 3111 or email info@podiatry.org.au

SA level 5 restrictions - list of essential workers
APodA HR support
COVID-19 resources
Mental health support for members

July 17, 2021 - Important update for NSW podiatrists

CAHO Letter - The NSW CAHO has today sent a letter with the latest advice for allied health professionals in Greater Sydney. You can read this letter in full here.

Testing requirements when travelling to do essential work - For podiatrists impacted by the revised restrictions in the Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool LGAs requiring them to test every 3 days if leaving one of those LGAs for work, testing does not need to occur within the LGA. You may undertake your required test at a facility near your place of work or home but, must produce proof of testing such as an sms or email if requested by your employer or a police officer. You do not need to isolate and await test results, you may proceed to your place of work once tested.

If you test positive, follow the rules for people who are confirmed cases of COVID-19. This information was given in the Premier's address and will be updated on the NSW website here.

Increased restrictions - You can review the latest updated restrictions for Greater Sydney announced today, July 17 here.

July 15, 2021 - 5-Day lockdown for Victoria

As a result of an increase in Covid-19 cases, the Victorian Government have today announced a 5-day lockdown for all of Victoria, effective from 11.59pm tonight (Thursday, July, 15) and ending 11.59pm Tuesday, July 20.

In regards to allied health practitioners, including podiatrists, The Victorian Government indicates that this lockdown is identical to the last one, meaning that allied health professionals are considered essential when working in private or public community services, whether clinic or home-based to provide essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate.

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).

In line with this, as private allied health practitioners in Victoria please use your clinical judgement to treat patients, ensuring that all appointments that do not meet the criteria above are delayed until after lockdown if they cannot be moved to telehealth.

Covid Member Resources can be accessed here.

We understand these are challenging and disruptive times, please don't hesitate to reach out to our member services team on 03 9416 3111 should you have questions or require support.

July 15, 2021 - Increased restrictions for Victoria and extended lockdown and finiacial support for NSW

Victoria - As a result of a number of recent COVID-19 cases in Victoria, there is now increased restrictions in place.

Wearing a face mask is now mandatory indoors (not at home) unless an exception applies – this includes all workplaces, and secondary schools. Masks must also be worn outdoors if you cannot maintain 1.5m distance from people who aren’t from your household (such as at an outdoor event).

Additionally, social distance indoors, such as in waiting rooms should comply to a density limit of 1 person per 2 sqm.

You can review the details of the recent restrictions here.

NSW - The Greater Sydney lockdown has been extended under the existing conditions until 11.59pm, July 31. To support employees and business owners, there are now a number of financial support optional available. You can find more details on these here.

July 9, 2021 - Covid-19 restrictions update

Victoria

Face masks: Face masks are mandatory in indoor settings unless your circumstance qualifies you for an exception or exemption. For podiatrists, all staff and patients in Victoria should be wearing face masks. A full explanation of current restrictions in Victoria can be found here.

QR codes: All workplaces in Victoria require all visitors and workers to check-in using the free Service Victoria QR Code app with limited exceptions. You can find out more and register your business for this app here.

Western Australia

Face masks: Masks are mandatory for all indoor settings including in the workplace.

QR codes: Whilst the SafeWA app is not mandatory for allied health, The WA Government strongly encourages the use of the App. If you use your own QR code system to register patrons, you must also provide SafeWA as an option for patrons, and clearly identify and display it next to your own QR code. You can read more on this here.

Queensland

Face masks: If you have been in the following areas, you must carry a face mask with you at all times, unless 14 days have passed since you were last in the area:

South East Queensland since 1am 29 June 2021; or
Townsville City (including Magnetic Island) or Palm Island since 6pm 29 June 2021.

You must wear a face mask at all times when you are outside your home, unless:

you are alone in your car or with the members of your household
you are eating or drinking
you are at your usual workplace and can physically distance from others (except if you work in a hospitality venue or are a passenger transport operator)
you are alone outdoors or with members of your household
it is unsafe.

Wearing face masks is no longer mandatory for the rest of Queensland.

QR Codes: Allied health, including podiatry is not currently listed on the schedule of businesses for which the QLD check in app is mandatory. Whilst not mandatory, we recommend that Queensland podiatrists use this service. You can find out more on the app and download it here.

NSW

Face masks and QR codes (from July 12) are mandatory for NSW podiatrists who are treating patients that can not be switched to telehealth or have their treatment delayed as doing so would deteriorate their health.

The current rules for the NSW Stay at Home Orders that are in place until 11.59pm July 16 can be found here.

July 7, 2021 - Lockdown extended for Greater Sydney

Stay at home orders for Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour have been extended until 11.59pm on Friday 16 July 2021.

For allied health professionals including podiatrists living or working in areas impacted by this lockdown, face-to-face patient care should proceed if delaying treatment might result in the deterioration of the person’s health. Where possible, other appointments should be delivered via telehealth where appropriate or delayed until after lockdown. Please also note, the 4m rule should apply in waiting rooms and clinicians, staff and patients should wear masks.

The APodA is here to support our members and will keep you updated as more information comes to hand. You can find COVID-19 resources in our member resource section of podiatry.org.au or please contact our member services team on 03 9416 3111 or via email.

July 2, 2021 - Lockdown for parts of Queensland extended

Lockdown restrictions for City of Brisbane and Moreton Bay region LGAs have been extended until 6pm Saturday 3 July.

Lockdown restrictions will end 6pm Friday 2 July for the following LGAs: City of Gold Coast, City of Ipswich, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Logan City, Noosa Shire Council, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Townsville City Council and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire. Face mask wearing and gathering restrictions will continue to apply in these areas.

QLD Government update here

July 2, 2021 - QR Codes for NSW Mandated

From Monday 12 July 2021, the Service NSW COVID Safe Check-in system will be mandatory at all workplaces. Customers, staff, and other visitors will need to register on entry.

You can now read a full explanation of this new mandate here.

June 30, 2021 - Update on NT lockdown

The current COVID-19 lockdown across the Greater Darwin Area will be extended for a further 72 hours until 1pm on Friday 2 July 2021. This includes the Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield Council areas, and Wagait and Belyuen Shires. Alice Springs will also enter into a 72-hour lockdown effective from 1pm today, 30 June 2021.

You can read the Government update on these lockdowns including an explanation of essential health care services here.

APodA members, you can access a number of COVID-19 resources including HR advice and telehealth information in member resources section of this website. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our member services team on 03 9416 3111 (Monday - Friday) or via email info@podiatry.org.au should you have questions or require support.

June 30, 2021 - Update on Queensland lockdown

The Queensland Government have shared a communique with the APodA for our members that includes a summary of the lockdown restrictions, face mask requirements and updated PPE guidance. You can read this communique here and access further information is available on the Queensland Health website here.

June 29, 2021 - Lockdown for Parts of Queensland

In light of recent cases of COVID-19 community transmission, parts of Queensland will go into a three-day lockdown from 6pm today. The lockdown restrictions will be reviewed on Friday 2 July.

The Local Government Areas going in to lockdown are: Townsville, Palm Island, Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast.

For allied health professionals including podiatrists living or working in areas impacted by this lockdown, all face-to-face appointments should be moved to telehealth or delayed unless your clinical judgement determines that delaying patient care would result in the deterioration of the person’s health. If you must see a patient face-to-face, the 4m rule should apply in waiting rooms and clinicians, staff and patients should wear masks.You can read the Queensland Government update here and access the Pandemic Response Guide for PPE here.

If you have further questions about how this may impact your workplace, please be reminded that the APodA HR Advisory Service is here to help. With our HR Helpdesk open from 8:30am – 5:30pm (AEST) Monday to Friday, our advisors can assist with enquiries regarding;

Managing employee hours of work
Employee entitlements (including in situations where employees are required to isolate
or provide unexpected care to a child or relative who has been affected by restrictions)
Employee wellbeing
Work, health and safety
And much more.

Please contact us on 1300 620 641 or by email at hrhotline@podiatry.org.au if you have any questions about your workplace during this period. Alternatively, browse our suite of online resources 24/7 at www.podiatry.org.au

June 29, 2021 - Lockdown for Perth and Peel & Increased Restrictions for SA

WA podiatrists - In light of recent COVID-19 cases, Perth and Peel have entered a minimum 4-day lockdown from 12:01am, Tuesday 29 June 2021 until 12.01am, Saturday 3 July, 2021.

For allied health professionals including podiatrists living or working in areas impacted by this lockdown, if the care cannot be delayed then it should be able to proceed. Where care can be delayed or be delivered via telehealth this should occur. Circumstances of where care should not be delayed is where it would result in the deterioration of the person’s health. Essential worker information here.

SA podiatrists - From 12.01am today, 29 June 2021, all people in health care settings in South Australia must wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) at all times when in the physical presence of other people on the premises.

More detailed information on this can be found here.

June 28, 2021 - Update for all Podiatrists

Stay-at-home orders are in place for all of Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong from 6pm June 26 until 11.59pm Friday, 9 July.

For allied health professionals including podiatrists living or working in areas impacted by this lockdown, if patient care cannot be delayed then it should be able to proceed. Where care can be delayed or be delivered via telehealth this should occur. Circumstances of where care should not be delayed is where it would result in the deterioration of the person’s health. If a service is provided the 4m rule should apply to waiting rooms and clinicians, staff and patients should wear masks.

NSW Government COVID-19 Information

NT
The areas of Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield are in a 48 hour lockdown from 1pm local time today, Sunday June 27 to 1pm Tuesday June 29.

If a service is provided the 4m rule should apply to waiting rooms and clinicians, staff and patients should wear masks.

NT Government COVID-19 Information

WA
There are increased restrictions for the areas of Perth and Peel effective from 12pm Sunday June 27 for a minimum of 3 days. Of important note for podiatrists in these areas is that masks are now mandatory for everyone indoors and social distancing measures have reverted to the 2 SQM in waiting rooms.

WA Government COVID-19 Information

ACT
From midnight Sunday June 27, face masks are will be required in all indoor settings, including in allied health and podiatry clinics within the ACT.

ACT Government COVID-19 Information

QLD
From 6am June 28, all indoor settings will revert to the 1 person per 2 square metres rule. This restriction will be in place for the period of the NSW lockdown (currently until Friday 9 July 2021)

QLD Government COVID-19 Information

June 27, 2021 - Update for NT Podiatrists - 2-Day lockdown

In light of Four new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the Northern Territory, the areas of Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield will go into a 48 hour lockdown from 1pm local time today, Sunday June 27.

People must wear and mask and will only be allowed to leave home for the following five reasons:

Medical treatment, including a Covid-19 test or vaccination;
Essential goods and services like groceries;
Work that is considered essential;
One hour of exercise per day with one other person or the people you live with, and no further than 5km from your home; and
To provide care or support to a family member who cannot provide support for themselves.

For allied health professionals including podiatrists living or working in areas impacted by this lockdown, if the care cannot be delayed then it should be able to proceed. Where care can be delayed or be delivered via telehealth this should occur. Circumstances of where care should not be delayed is where it would result in the deterioration of the person’s health.

Other considerations:
If a service is provided the 4m rule should apply to waiting rooms and clinicians and patients should wear masks as per the PHO.

The APodA is here to support our members. You can find COVID-19 resources including HR advice and telehealth information in our member resource section of podiatry.org.au or please contact our member services team info@podiatry.org.au

June 27, 2021 - Update for WA Podiatrists - increased restrictions

In light of a recent community case of COVID-19, there will be increased restrictions for the areas of Perth and Peel effective from 12pm today, Sunday June 27 for a minimum of 3 days.

Of important note for podiatrists in these areas is that masks are now mandatory for everyone indoors and social distancing measures have reverted to the 2 SQM in waiting rooms. You can review all the updated restrictions at the WA Government website here.

June 26, 2021 - Update for NSW Podiatrists - Lockdown extended

In response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak in NSW, current stay-at-home orders will be extended across all of Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong from 6pm today (26 June) until 11.59pm Friday, 9 July. Everyone in Greater Sydney must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason.

Reasons for leaving home include:

Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact);
Exercise outdoors in groups of 10 or fewer;
Essential work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home.
Practising podiatry during lockdown:

For allied health professionals including podiatrists living or working in areas impacted by stay-at-home orders, if the care cannot be delayed then it should be able to proceed. Where care can be delayed or be delivered via telehealth this should occur. Circumstances of where care should not be delayed is where it would result in the deterioration of the person’s health.

Other considerations:

If a service is provided the 4m rule should apply to waiting rooms and clinicians and patients should wear masks as per the PHO. Note: NSW Health remains on amber alert which requires NSW Health staff to wear masks.

NSW Government announcement

June 26, 2021 - Update for NSW Podiatrists - Stay-at-Home Orders

The LGA's of Woollahra, Waverley, Randwick and the City of Sydney have been issued a 1 week stay-at-home order effective from 11.59pm last night, Friday June 25.

With regards to allied health services including practising podiatry, if the care cannot be delayed then it should be able to proceed. Where care can be delayed or be delivered via telehealth this should occur. Circumstances of where care should not be delayed is where it would result in the deterioration of the person’s health.

Other considerations:
If a service is provided the 4m rule should apply to waiting rooms and clinicians and patients should wear masks as per the PHO. Note: NSW Health remains on amber alert which requires NSW Health staff to wear masks.

The APodA is here to support our members. You can access a number of COVID-19 resources including HR advice and telehealth information on this website. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our member services team on 03 9416 3111 (Monday - Friday) or email info@podiatry.org.au should you have questions or require support.

June 23, 2021 - Update for NSW Podiatrists - Masks and restrictions

In light of the evolving COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, new restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour from 4pm today for one week. Of particular note for podiatrists is the following:

- Masks will be compulsory for everyone in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces

- The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for indoor settings (eg waiting rooms)

A full explanation of the new Greater Sydney restrictions can be found here.

June 18, 2021 - Update for Victorian Podiatrists - QR Codes

The Victorian Acting Premier has released an updated statement including revised restrictions, this can be found here.

Of note is that indoor group classes are now able to recommence with a maximum of 10 people (including practitioner) and 1:4sqm density quotients.

The most up-to-date advice regarding QR codes notes that ‘all workplaces must ensure all workers and visitors check in using the free Victorian Government QR Code Service’. You can read more about QR codes via the Service Victoria website here.

June 9, 2021 - Restrictions Update for Victoria

As you may be aware, the Acting Victorian Premier has just released an update on the easing of restrictions from 11:59pm on 10th June 2021.

As per the update, from Friday June 11, podiatrists in metropolitan Melbourne are now able to return to seeing all patients face-to-face, with the exception of indoor group classes which are still not permitted.

Regional Victoria may recommence indoor group classes with a maximum capacity of 10 people (incl practitioner) and density quotient of 1:4sqm.

You can read the Acting Premiers Statement here.

June 2, 2021 - Victoria Lockdown - Extended for Metro Melbourne

The Victorian Government has today announced that the current restrictions for Metro Melbourne have been extended for a further 7 days with restrictions easing in Regional Victoria from 11.59pm Thursday 3 June.

The advice for the 2 difference regions is as follows:

Metro Melbourne: Current restrictions will remain in place until 11.59pm June 10. Essential clinical face-to-face care can be provided in practice. In line with this, as private allied health practitioners in Victoria please use your clinical judgement to treat patients, ensuring that all appointments that do not meet the criteria for essential clinical care are re-scheduled to after lockdown if they cannot be moved to telehealth. For this purpose, essential clinical care is defined as:

• 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).

Regional Victoria: Restrictions will be eased from 11:59pm tomorrow night, 3 June. This means businesses can return to practicing as before lockdown, with the exception of group classes which are not permitted at this time. Outdoor group classes are permitted to a maximum of 10 people and a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies. Masks must be worn indoors at all times. Capacity limits in workplaces are capped at 50% or 20 people, whichever is greater.

Statement from the Acting Premier June 2

May 27, 2021 - Victoria 7-Day Lockdown - update for Victorian podiatrists

As a result of an increase in Covid-19 cases, the Victorian Government have today announced a 7-day lockdown for all of Victoria, effective from 11.59pm tonight (Thursday, May, 27) and ending 11.59pm Thursday, June 3.

In regards to allied health practitioners, The Victorian Government indicates that allied health professionals are considered essential when working in private or public community services, whether clinic or home-based to provide essential clinical care where telehealth services are not clinically appropriate.

For this purpose, essential clinical care is defined as:

• 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).

Covid Member Resources can be accessed here.

We understand these are challenging and disruptive times, please don't hesitate to reach out to our member services team on 03 9416 3111 should you have questions or require support.

May 25, 2021 - Covid Update for Melbourne

In response to 4 recent COVID-19 community cases in the north of Melbourne, additional COVIDSafe measures will be put in place across the Greater Melbourne effective from 6pm tonight, Tuesday 25 May:

Private gatherings in the home will be limited to five visitors per day
Public gatherings will be limited to 30 people
Face masks will need to be worn indoors, unless an exemption applies. The face mask requirement applies to everyone aged 12 years and older, and includes indoor workplaces and secondary schools.

Podiatrists can continue to work as normal, but must ensure that all staff and patients (12 years or older) are wearing masks and COVIDSafe plans are in place and adhered to.

The latest Government updates can be found here.

May 19, 2021 - Queensland Health COVID-19 Vax Update

Queensland healthcare workers have been prioritised in Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Roadmap to receive a COVID vaccine. Currently vaccinating people in Phase 1a and Phase 1b with podiatrists able to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as part of Phase 1b. As of 3 May 2021, all Australians over the age of 50 are now eligible to receive an AstraZeneca vaccine.

Queensland Health encourages all healthcare workers to visit the Australian Government’s eligibility checker here to book an appointment through a General Practitioner, General Practice Respiratory Centre or Queensland Health vaccination centre. For a full list of vaccination locations visit.

May 19, 2021 - Victoria to further relax COVIDSafe Settings

The Victorian Government has announced a further easing of COVIDSafe settings from Friday 28 May. This includes lifting the one person per two square metre density quotient for small-to-medium sized venues.

From Friday 28 May 2021, it will be mandatory for customer-facing industries that require checking-in to use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service. The full list of industries can be found at Checking in with QR Codes.

The Victorian Government QR Code Service is convenient for Victorians and gives contact tracers access to the best data quickly.

Venues and facilities currently using a Victorian Government Application Programming Interface (API) linked digital record keeping system must switch to the Victorian Government QR Service by Friday 28 May 2021. For instructions on how to switch, please go to Register to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service.

More information here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-health-care-and-social-assistance

Where do I need to check-in?

All of the following venues and facilities must require all visitors to check-in using the free Victorian Government QR Service. From 28 May 2021, venues and facilities currently using a Victorian Government Application Programming Interface (API) linked digital record keeping system must use the Victorian Government QR Service. For instructions on how to switch, please go to Register to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service.

Venues and facilities required to use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service for record keeping are:

Hospitality (including food and drink facilities, such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs, nightclubs, karaoke and hotels except for takeaway service).
Indoor physical recreation and community sport (including staffed and unstaffed gyms, play centres, indoor skateparks and indoor trampolining centres)
Outdoor physical recreation and community sport facilities
Pools, spas, saunas, steam rooms and springs (indoor and outdoor spaces, including water or non-water parts of the venue)
Hairdressing, beauty and personal care services
Accommodation (visitors in shared, communal spaces)
Ceremonies and religious gatherings (including places of worship)
Weddings: Record keeping requirements as per the venue where the wedding is held.
Funerals: Record keeping requirements as per the venue where the funeral is held.
Community venues and facilities including libraries and toy libraries (not including outdoor skate parks, playgrounds, and other outdoor communal areas)
Creative arts facilities
Real estate inspections and auctions
Seated entertainment venues (indoors and outdoors)
Indoor non-seated venues (such as galleries)
Outdoor non-seated entertainment venues (such as Zoos, live museums)
Arcades, escape rooms, bingo centres
Drive-in cinemas
Amusement parks
Gaming (casinos, gaming machine areas, retail betting venues)
Adult entertainment (brothels, sex on premises venues, sexually explicit entertainment)
Commercial tourism operators including, but not limited to:
Guided tours of museums, galleries, historic locations
Adventure sports (ballooning, abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking,)
Marine based tours (kayaking, scuba, fishing, surfing)
Commercial passenger vehicles.

These venues must also provide an alternative record keeping system for people who do not have or cannot use a device to scan the QR code. This could include making a service available for people to use (like an iPad). Providing a pen and paper for manual recording keeping is okay if electronic record keeping is temporarily unavailable – for example, an internet outage. For other venues not listed including supermarkets, markets, retail and shopping centres, using the free Victorian Government QR Code Service is highly recommended. Find out more about record keeping at Record keeping for Contact Tracing - Information for Business. For more information visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checking-qr-codes

May 1, 2021 - COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for Victorian healthcare workers

Victorian healthcare workers are currently eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Eligible workers within phase 1 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout includes a range of healthcare workers across health services, private practices and community settings. To confirm that you are eligible, please see the list on the Commonwealth Government’s website here.

Bookings can be made by phoning 1800 675 398. Clinics are available in convenient locations across Victoria, and the locations of our high volume vaccination clinics can be found here.

Depending on your age, you will be provided with either the AstraZeneca vaccine or the Pfizer vaccine.

If you are under 50 years of age, you are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine by booking at a State vaccination clinic.
If you are aged 50 years and over, you can now access the AstraZeneca vaccine through a State vaccination clinic or a local general practice.

For further details on how to book your appointment and attend a clinic please see here. The letter of eligibility can be used as proof of status when attending your vaccination appointment.

If you have any concerns about your health and getting the COVID-19 vaccine, please speak to your general practitioner or other health professional.

For more information visit: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine

April 23, 2021 - WA 3-day Lockdown

As of 12.01am Saturday 24 April Perth and Peel residents will be restricted from leaving their homes. This lockdown is anticipated to last 3 days and numerous public events have been cancelled. Based on communications from the WA Government to date it is difficult to be definitive about whether patients can continue to visit their podiatrist or podiatric surgeon throughout the lockdown period, however given one of the restrictions indicates that one of the reasons for leaving home is for medical or ‘healthcare’, this would suggest that patients can continue to visit their podiatrist or podiatric surgeon for healthcare. In the interest of ‘limiting the spread’, podiatrists and podiatric surgeons are encouraged to use telehealth where possible. The full list of restrictions is listed in the information below.

April 13, 2021 - AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine update from Victoria Health

As you may already be aware, there has been an update to the advice on the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. This advice was provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group of Immunisation (ATAGI). ATAGI is a group of medical and technical experts who advise the Commonwealth Minister for Health on the medical administration of vaccines in Australia, including COVID-19 vaccines.

You can read the Victorian Health AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine update in full here.

April 7, 2021 - Face Masks in Private Practice – Victoria Podiatrists

DHHS recommends that all healthcare workers should utilise a disposable, Tier/Level 1 surgical mask when directly treating patients.
Clinicians should not use face shields as a substitute to mask wearing. If a face shield is to be worn, this should be in combination with a mask.
Unless indicated by a higher risk of potential exposure, P2/N95 masks should not be worn for ‘Tier 1 level’ patient consultations/interactions.
Unless soiled or damp, clinicians may wear a mask or surgical gown up to a maximum of 4 hours. Gloves must be changed and hand hygiene performed between every patient interaction.
A surgical mask should be worn in all patient-facing areas, but not in private offices or non-patient facing areas where physical distancing can be maintained.

Non-clinical staff includes, but is not limited to, reception staff and practice managers.

Non-clinical staff who have public-facing roles (i.e. have direct contact and interactions with patients) should wear a Tier/Level 1 surgical mask. This is irrespective of the use of a face shield or glass partitions in public facing areas. Cloth masks are not to be used.
Non-clinical staff must maintain appropriate physical distancing from patients and members of the public.

Patients/Clients

Patients/clients are not legally required to wear a face mask when receiving care/services from an allied health professional. However, it is highly recommended that practice owners continue to request that their patients/clients wear a face mask when entering their premises, as part of the provisions of their COVID-safe business plans.

March 31, 2021 - PPE for Northern NSW

Due to a recent community case of Covid 19 in Northern NSW, all allied health staff in the Northern NSW locations of located in Ballina LGA, Byron Bay LGA, Lismore LGAand Tweed LGA must wear a surgical mask when at work.

For the remainder of NSW masks are only required if you have been to a location in Ballina LGA, Byron Bay LGA, Lismore LGAand Tweed LGA.

Latest NSW Health Covid 19 update

March 30, 2021 - QLD lockdown - Travelling into impacted areas

The Queensland Government has released more detail pertaining to the restrictions for impacted areas in Greater Brisbane. In addition to the information already conveyed, it is important to note that during the three-day lockdown, people outside the Greater Brisbane area travelling into, out of or through Greater Brisbane are only permitted to do so if they do not leave the confines of an airport or private vehicle.

As such, if you are practising within the Greater Brisbane area, please ensure you re-schedule (or move to telehealth) any patients that may be travelling from outside the area.

A reminder that the Great Brisbane area includes the Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton and Brisbane council areas.

Latest Queensland Government update

March 29, 2021 - Greater Brisbane Lockdown

Podiatrists working in the Greater Brisbane area will still be able to practice during the three-day lock-down that begins at 5:00pm March 29. For the purposes of PPE, the Greater Brisbane area is considered moderate risk.

The Greater Brisbane area includes the Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton and Brisbane council areas.

Queensland Health Pandemic Response PPE Guidance

Queensland Health update

March 26, 2021 - Escalated use of PPE in Brisbane

From noon on 26 March 2021, the Queensland Government instituted heightened precautions in response to a case of community transmission being identified. These precautions are intended to limit the further spread of this variant in the community and allow an assessment of risk of any further exposure in the community.

The following Local Government Areas have now been determined by the Chief Health Officer to be in the “moderate” risk category:

City of Brisbane
Moreton Bay Region

Other areas in the Brisbane South region remain at “low”:

Logan City
Redland City
Scenic Rim Region

QLD Health Pandemic Response Guidance - PPE in Healthcare

March 25, 2021 - Mask update for Victorians
There are a number of changes to mask wearing requirements in Victoria which will take effect as of 11:59pm Friday 26 March. Details of these changes can be found at https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/victoria-further-relax-covidsafe-settings

Please note, despite the above change, Allied Health clinicians and non-clinical staff who have public-facing roles (i.e. receptionist and other staff who have direct contact and interactions with patients) must continue to wear a Tier/Level 1 surgical mask.
While it is recommended that patients wear a face mask (surgical or reusable cloth) whenever they cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from other people, this is not mandatory

For more information on the new directions visit:
www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings

March 18, 2021 - PPE Update for QLD Podiatrists

The risk of COVID-19 community transmission in the Queensland primary care setting has been revised to ‘low’. The practical implication is that the ‘low’ PPE requirements are now again in force in all areas in Queensland in primary care settings, including private practice podiatry clinics. Please note that the additional PPE provisions in the Greater Brisbane area in hospitals, RACFs and disability settings were extended for a further 72 hours and therefore remain in place.

March 17, 2021 - COVID-19 vaccination rollout updates for podiatrists

From Monday 22 March podiatrists are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as part of Phase 1b. You can check your eligibility here. For a list of GP clinics administering the vaccination click here.

March 16, 2021 - Updated Queensland Health advice on escalated use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Further to our last post on 14 March, there has been an update from Dr Jillann Farmer, Deputy Director-General, Clinical Excellence Queensland, advising of the escalated use of PPE in Brisbane South region (and all of Greater Brisbane).

Queensland Health facilities are required to comply with implementation of the Pandemic Response Guidance – Personal Protective Equipment in Healthcare Delivery. Under the guidance, facilities located within these LGAs must apply a moderate risk PPE escalation (see Table 1, page 3).

For health facilities external to Queensland Health, a decision on whether to follow the PPE protocols in the Guidance for health services will rest with the responsible Chief Executive or equivalent for that entity.

Moderate risk PPE escalation will also apply to Residential Aged Care facilities, Disability residential care facilities and Prison Health Services.
In addition to these specific settings, personnel who work in facilities in the affected areas who also work in other facilities outside the escalated LGAs should follow the requirement for escalated PPE.

PPE guidance is additional to and does not replace the CHO directives that have been formally issued, for which compliance is mandatory.

If you are a podiatrist that works in an aged care facility in Greater Brisbane, please ensure you wear a mask and we recommend that you make contact with the facility to confirm whether you are able to attend.

March 14, 2021 - COVID-19 update for Greater Brisbane

In response to a recent community Covid-19 case in Queensland, Queensland Health has announced that all non-essential visits to hospitals, residential aged care facilities, disability accommodation services and correctional facilities in Greater Brisbane will cease. This will be effective from noon Saturday and reviewed Tuesday, March 16. Anyone attending these facilities in Greater Brisbane, including staff, must wear a mask.

Greater Brisbane includes:
• City of Brisbane
• City of Ipswich
• Logan City
• Moreton Bay Region
• Redland City

If you are a podiatrist that works in an aged care facility in one of the above areas, please ensure you wear a mask and we recommend that you make contact with the facility to confirm whether you are able to attend.

March 2, 2021 - COVID-19 vaccination rollout update

If you haven't yet familiarised yourself with the COVID vaccine national rollout strategy you can access it here.

Currently the COVID vaccination is only available for workers in section 1a. These include workers in aged and disability care. If you fall in to this category please contact your employer for details. We are awaiting clarification on where allied health workers sit in the rollout. We believe this will be in section 1b for other health workers which is due for rollout around mid March. Further information on this can be found here.

Information on when and where these vaccinations will be distributed will be updated on the Department of Healths website here.

Further information will be communicated once available.

February 17, 2021 - Lockdown Update for all Victorian Members

This morning the Victorian Premier announced that Victoria's lockdown will end at 11:59pm today with some restrictions remaining in place. For podiatrists this means:

• You can reopen and rebook patients.
• Masks will be required for visitors, patients, support staff and practitioners indoors and outdoors, wherever social distancing cannot be achieved.
• Return to the 'COVID Safe Summer' restriction and obligations.
• Effectively this means a return how you were operating prior to the lockdown, plus masks.
• We still recommend precautionary screening, particularly of those associated with clusters, for the next 9 days.

Some restriction will stay for another 9 days to allow 14-day clearance. These include:
• Only 5 visitors to a house
• Masks as listed above.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to our member services team on 03 9416 3111 should you have questions or require support.

February 15, 2021 - CEO Update for all Victorian Members

The APodA wrote to both the Victorian Chief Allied Health Officer and the Victorian Minister for Health strongly expressing concerns for the potential extension of the circuit breaker restrictions in Victoria beyond this Wednesday 17 February and the impact this may have on private practice patients. You can read the letter here

We are concerned that the current restrictions, should they continue beyond Wednesday, are likely to place many patients at increased risk and may result in the unintended consequence of unplanned presentation to hospital emergency departments, or worse still, undue deferral of treatment resulting in exacerbation of conditions that would otherwise have been safely and suitably managed by their regular podiatrist.

We have made the point that as AHPRA registered professionals, podiatrists are very capable of employing their clinical judgement in determining the urgency and severity of a condition and this is not a skill which is exclusive to the medical profession. The health system would be far better served by private practice podiatrists and other allied health professionals continuing to provide face- to- face critical care treatment during these difficult times.

The immediate response to date has been supportive of our position and we will keep members informed as soon as we know the status of restrictions beyond Wednesday. In the meantime, thank you for playing your part in supporting the health of the Victorian community.

February 12, 2021 - 5 day lockdown for Victoria from tonight

As a result of an increase in Covid-19 cases, the Victorian Government have today announced a 5 day lockdown for all of Victoria, effective from 11.59pm tonight (February, 12)

In regards to allied health practitioners, The Victorian Government Circuit Breaker Action – Table of Restrictions defines the following as an ‘essential worker’ during the 5 day lockdown:
“i. allied health services provided by allied health professionals working as essential workers in hospitals or in residential care facilities providing critical clinical care or as directed by the hospital; or
ii. allied health services provided by allied health professionals working in private practice providing care through telehealth and other virtual care options;

In line with this, all private allied health practitioners in Victoria must delay all appointments if they cannot be moved to telehealth. Private practice allied health (including podiatrists) cannot provide face to face services – no exceptions.

VIC Government Circuit Breaker Update
Covid Member Resources

APodA members, please don't hesitate to reach out to our member services team on 03 9416 3111 should you have questions or require support.

February 4, 2021 - Letter to WA Minister for Health regarding lockdown measures in Perth
We wrote to the WA Minister for Health - Roger Cook yesterday to voice our concerns on the lockdown measures in Perth. If the lockdown is to go on more than 5 days it is imperative that Podiatrists are able to treat at risk patients. You can read our letter here. Any further updates will be communicated to members as they come to hand.

February 3, 2021 - Treating WA veterans and their families during the Coronavirus pandemic
In response to the current lockdown in WA, DVA has published a Provider News Article informing of services available to veterans and their families during the Coronavirus pandemic. You can read it here.

February 2, 2021 - No face to face appointments for WA Podiatrists in lockdown -

Please note the updated information The APodA has just received from AHPA regarding the Covid-19 lockdown in the Perth metropolitan area, the Peel region and the South West region of Western Australia.

In line with the Stay at Home and Closure Directions, all private allied health practitioners in lockdown regions must delay all appointments if they cannot be moved to telehealth. Private practice allied health (including podiatrists) cannot provide face to face services other than mental health practitioners (and that is only in high risk of harm circumstances) – no exceptions.

APodA members, please don't hesitate to reach out to our member services team should you have questions or require support.

February 1, 2021: Wentworth Advantage HR Advice for WA Members in Lockdown

APodA's HR partner, Wentworth Advantage has prepared some updated advice for affected WA members around workplace relations implications. Read it here

January 31, 2021: WA 5 Day Lockdown

As a result of a Covid-19 flare up in Western Australia, the Perth metropolitan area, the Peel region and the South West region be going into full 5 day lockdown from 6pm tonight. In line with the lockdown measures people in the regions are required to stay home with four exceptions; Shopping for essentials like groceries, medicine and necessary supplies; medical or healthcare needs, including compassionate requirements and looking after the vulnerable; and exercise with one other person within their neighbourhood.

In line with the Stay at Home and Closure Directions, all private allied health practitioners in lockdown regions must delay all appointments that can not be moved to telelhealth. No procedures should be conducted face to face over the course of the 5-day lockdown.

Stay at Home and Closure Directions
Covid Member Resources
Telehealth Resources
WA Government Lockdown Update

January 28, 2021: Updated PPE Advice from Queensland Health

AHPA has provided the APodA updated advice from Queensland Health confirming that as of 22 January 2021, all geographic areas in Queensland are now designated 'low risk' for PPE usage.

Further information for practitioners can be found here

Recommended PPE according to COVID-19 risk levels can be found in the Queensland Health document 'Pandemic Response Guidance: Personal protective equipment in healthcare delivery'.

January 22, 2021: PPE advice for QLD podiatrists
The Queensland Government has informed the APodA that from 1 am today, Friday 22 January 2021, all geographic areas will be low risk for PPE usage.
Further information can be found here.

January 13, 2021: Further details around PPE post lockdown from Queensland Health

Queensland Health has provided updated advice regarding COVID-19 restrictions in greater Brisbane.

Although the Brisbane lockdown has now been lifted, the escalated use of PPE continues to apply in the following local government areas:

City of Brisbane
City of Ipswich
Logan City
Moreton Bay Region
Redland City

This is expected to continue until 1 am on 22 January 2021. All other LGAs remain in the ‘low’ risk category.

Information about current social restrictions and use of face masks in Brisbane is available from here

Information for clinicians is available from here

Specific information about PPE in healthcare, aged care, disability services and in-home care is available from here

January 12, 2021: Single site arrangements for COVID-19 impacted areas in Victoria

In response to the increased number of COVID-19 cases in Victoria, residential aged care providers located in high risk areas in Victoria will be able to receive support through the Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19 (SACWIC) grant. The SACWIC Grant Opportunity is designed to minimise the risk of infection to aged care workers, residents and other consumers of aged care services by providing grant funding to limit people working across multiple aged care facilities and to support single site workforce arrangements. The Grant Opportunity extends the current arrangements currently available to providers located in Northern Beaches, NSW.

The grant funding will be available in the following locations in Victoria: Brighton, Doveton, Glen Waverley, McKinnon, Mordialloc and Moorabbin. This means providers in these areas will be able to access funding to reintroduce the Guiding Principles for residential aged care – keeping VIC residents and workers safe (Principles) which are being updated to reflect the latest advice. This will ensure workers are not disadvantaged as a result of the single site arrangements. The SACWIC grant activity period for these Victorian locations is from 31 December 2020 until they are no longer considered a hotspot, as determined by the Government based on advice from Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly.

Providers outside of these areas are also able to receive support if they have staff who are limited to working at a single facility in any of the above locations.

To minimise risk and prepare for single site workforce arrangements (in the event this is required), aged care providers located outside of these areas may also wish to create an employee register that records which employees work across multiple sites/settings, or live with someone who does, what role they perform, how many hours and what shifts they perform with each employer and which employer provides the most hours on a weekly or fortnightly basis. This will ensure Providers are well-placed to identify which parts of a facility and which roles staff can work across as well as surge workforce needs in the event of an outbreak.

Further information on the Principles and single site workforce arrangements by visiting the Guiding Principles Support Hub website or phoning the hotline on 1800 491 793.

For workers affected by single site arrangements, Converge International will deliver up to five free counselling sessions per person. Phone 1300 687 327 or visit www.convergeinternational.com.au to book an appointment. Please state you are from the Victorian Aged Care Workforce when booking.

January 12, 2021: Single site funding support for COVID-19 impacted areas of Greater Brisbane

On 8 January 2021 the Queensland Government issued Aged Care Direction (No. 18) which recommends limiting mobility of the residential aged care workforce across Queensland. The Australian Government is making funding support under the Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19 (SACWIC) grant available for residential aged care providers located in the following Local Government Areas in Greater Brisbane:

City of Brisbane
City of Ipswich
Logan City
Moreton Bay Region
Redland City.

Funding is available to support providers with the out of pocket costs with implementing a single site arrangement for the period from 8 January 2021 to 22 January 2021.

The SACWIC Grant Opportunity is designed to minimise the risk of infection to aged care workers, residents and other consumers of aged care services by providing grant funding to limit people working across multiple residential aged care facilities and to ensure workers are not disadvantaged as a result of single site arrangements.

For guidance on practical implementation of single site arrangements and the available funding support, providers can visit the Guiding Principles Support Hub website or phone the hotline on 1800 491 793.

SACWIC will remain open for providers to submit their applications until 30 June 2021. Providers can submit an application for out of pocket expenses after 22 January 2021 but can apply earlier if a provider is experiencing significant financial strain.

January 11 2021: Easing of Greater Brisbane Restrictions

Eased restrictions for Greater Brisbane will be in place from 6pm 11 January to 1am 22 January. The Greater Brisbane region includes:

City of Brisbane
City of Ipswich
Logan City
Moreton Bay Region
Redland City

Restrictions in place after the 3-day lockdown

From 6pm 11 January, restrictions during the 3-day lockdown will ease.

People are permitted to be outside their homes for any purpose, subject to the restrictions below:

Face masks

You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, except in your home. For example:

shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and indoor markets
hospitals and aged care facilities
churches and places of worship
libraries
indoor recreational facilities and gyms
indoor workplaces (where you can’t socially distance)
public transport, taxis and rideshare
airports and travelling on planes.

We recommend you wear a mask when outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5m distance from other people, such as busy walkways and thoroughfares. Children under 12 years are and people affected by a medical condition or disability are exempt.

Home confinement and movement

You can leave your home for any purpose. You can travel anywhere in Australia. Please note other states and territories may have restrictions in place that prevent you from travelling to them.

Gatherings

Gatherings: Up to 20 people in homes and public spaces. This number includes those who live with you.
Weddings: Up to 100 attendees. No restriction on dancing.
Funerals: Up to 100 attendees.
Businesses and venues
This includes places of worship, conventions centres, etc. There are no restrictions on businesses opening under a COVID Safe Plan.
Restaurants and cafes can open for seated eating and drinking, no standing allowed
All businesses may now have:
- one person per 4 square metres on their premises indoors
- one person per 2 square metres outdoors.
Businesses with a floor space less than 200 square metres can have one person per 2 square metres, up to 50 people at a time.
Dancing is not allowed except at weddings
Funerals and weddings can have up to 100 attendees
The seated capacity of outdoor stadiums and amphitheatres is 50 per cent with a COVID Safe plan
The seated capacity of indoor concert venues and theatres is 50 per cent capacity or one person per 4 square metres, whichever is greater, with a COVID Safe plan

Events

Indoor events/sessions within events:

500 people or less – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Checklist, no further approval needed
500 to 10,000 people – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by local public health units
10,000 people or more – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the Chief Health Officer
Indoor concert venues/theatres etc: up to 50 per cent seated capacity or one person per 4 square meters (whichever is the greater), with a COVID Safe Plan.

Outdoor events/sessions within events:

Fewer than 1000 people, e.g. community sport – no approval needed when following a COVID Safe Event Checklist
1000 to 10,000 people – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the local public health unit
10,000 people or more – must comply with a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the Chief Health Officer
Outdoor stadiums and amphitheatres: 50 per cent capacity with a COVID Safe Plan.
Visitors to aged care, disability accommodation services and hospital

Restrictions remain in place for visitors to:

Read more here

January 9, 2021: Greater Brisbane 3 Day Lockdown - Updated Information

As the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Queensland remains dynamic a number of Health Directions are currently being updated. The latest available information can be found HERE; please keep checking official sources for further updates.

January 8, 2021: Greater Brisbane 3 Day Lockdown

Whilst we are awaiting formal confirmation, the APodA understands that Podiatrists in the Greater Brisbane area are permitted to continue offering podiatry services during the 3-day lockdown imposed by the Queensland government. The 3 day lockdown will commence at 6pm Friday 8 January. Mask wearing is mandatory for practitioners and patients during all consultations throughout this period. Other COVID safe practices including social distancing and density limits, providing hand sanitizer for all practice visitors, particularly in public spaces such as waiting rooms are encouraged to be employed as precautionary measures. Practitioners may wish to familiarise themselves with some of the COVID safe resources on www.podiatry.org.au , including the COVID safe plan template which has been employed in longer lockdowns in other jurisdictions. You can review the current government information here.

December 21: NSW Podiatrists - COVID Safe plans and physical distancing

NSW podiatrists, in light of the recent increase in cases of Covid-19, we would like to remind all NSW podiatrist of the importance of ensuring your COVID Safe plan is in place and up to date. This can be completed and registered online here.

When reviewing your plans and practice operations, please note that physical distancing restrictions for the greater Sydney area have now returned to the 4 square metre rule, so you will need to ensure you can manage this in your waiting rooms and common areas. The use of face masks is also strongly recommended at this time. You can review list of suburbs in that are including in this area and find more details here.

If you are a podiatrists working on the NSW/ Victoria border, please note that whilst there are now border restrictions in place, you do not need a permit if you live in one of the local government areas identified as exempt from carrying a permit. You must carry photo identification that shows your address such as a driver licence as evidence of you residing in an exempt local government area. You can review the details of this, including the list of suburbs included in this exemption here.

We are closely monitoring this situation and will ensure we communicate any developments as soon as possible. If you require any further support, please contact our member services team on 03 9416 3111 or via email at info@podiatry.org.au

December 18: NSW Podiatrists - Updated risk level advice from NSW Health

Given the current outbreak of local transmission, NSW Health advises that all NSW local health districts and specialty health networks move to amber risk level from Friday, 18 December 2020.
This advice applies to hospital and community health settings. All health workers should wear a surgical mask if they are within 1.5m of patients. Patients are also required to wear a mask, where possible. This advice is supported by expert risk assessments. For more information, refer to the COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Response and Escalation Framework accessible here.

December 18: Revised PPE guidance - Allied Health and private practice in Victoria

The DHHS have released a revised update of the PPE guidance for Allied Health and private practice. Please note that the sections highlighted with ‘yellow’ indicate amendments to the previous guidance. You can review the updated guidance here.

December 8: Mask update for Victorian podiatrists

DHHS has this morning advised that the transition to the ‘COVID-safe summer’ level of restrictions means that patients no longer need to wear a mask when being treated my an allied health practitioner, unless they are located in a shopping centre or retail setting.

Podiatrists and all allied health practitioners are still required to wear a Tier 1 (at a minimum) mask when clinically treating patients.

Additionally, all staff who work in ‘public facing’ roles within a clinical services should wear a mask (ie. staff who have any direct contact with clients even if this is not clinically focused). In the context of private practice settings, this would include reception/administrative staff irrespective as to whether there are screens and other safety measures in place.

December 7: SA Health mask directive

South Australia Health have released an updated directive for Allied Health Professionals which is below on mandatory masks in a health care setting.

Please note the updated advice under the Direction that has come into effect at 5:50 pm on 4 December 2020.

Defined public activities that consist of health care, residential care, disability support or aged care services are permitted, subject to the following requirements:

(a) all care providers, patients, clients, administrative and other staff, employees, visitors, students, contractors and any other person on the premises at which the service is provided must wear a face mask (covering mouth and nose) at all times when in the physical presence of other persons on the premises, subject to the following exceptions:

(i) a patient or client and/or a person providing care is not required to wear a mask if, in the provider or carer’s professional opinion, or in the opinion of the service organisation providing the service, the wearing of a mask will hinder the provision of the relevant care and/or impact patient or client safety;

Note—

Hospital inpatients are generally not expected to wear masks except when being transported through public spaces.

A person receiving individual care in their own home is not expected to wear a mask.

A person will be considered to in the physical presence of another person if they are in the same room as that other person.

(ii) a person is not required to wear a mask if they have a relevant medical condition, including problems with their breathing, a serious condition of the face, a disability or a mental health condition;

(iii) a mask is not required to be worn in circumstances where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication, such as to enable communication by or with any person who is deaf or hard of hearing;

(iv) a patient or client under the age of 12 is not required to wear a mask;

(v) a resident or live-in staff member of a residential care facility is not required to wear a mask, including in circumstances in which it is not possible to comply with the physical distancing principle.

More information on COVID Safe plans and the COVID Safe Check-In is available at covid- 19.sa.gov.au.

Download SA Health images here

December 1: New actions required for SA podiatrists

As of December 1, a variety of new actions are required to be taken by all allied health professionals in South Australia, including podiatrists. There is a 3-day grace period in place to allow for time to get these systems in place. Read more about these new actions in detail here.

November 19: An update for SA Podiatrists working in Aged Care Facilities

The Chief Allied Health Officer has clarified that allied health professionals can go to a RACF during the 6 day lockdown, noting the following:

A person who provides nursing, medical, allied health or personal care services to a resident at a RACF must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, in accordance with the Australian Guidelines, at any time that they are providing those services and cannot maintain a distance of more than 1.5 metres from the resident.

You will also need to ensure that you let each facility know if you are visiting other facilities.

November 30: New Government Direction for South Australia Podiatrists

Under the new Direction for South Australia announced today, which will come into effect at midnight tonight, all healthcare facilities, including podiatry practices practices:

Will be required to have a COVID Safe Plan.
The COVID Safe plan must include a contact tracing system, such as the COVID Safe Check-In. There will be initial leniency as healthcare setting establish this.
All people (including patients, patient’s family members, healthcare staff, administrative staff, contractors and cleaning staff) are required to wear single use surgical masks when on healthcare sites. Cloth masks are not sufficient for healthcare settings.
There are exceptions to mask wearing in some situations, such as, certain breathing difficulties, mental health conditions, communication with deaf or hard or hearing community members, people under the age of 12.
Density requirements should be 1 person per 4 square metre. Density requirements do not include people employed at the practice.

We are still awaiting the government websites to reflect this update, and will share this with you as soon as it has happened.

November 19: An update for SA Podiatrists

The SA Government has released an official statement around allied health under the Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Stay at Home) Direction 2020. This came into effect from 12.01am today, Thursday 19 November and ends at 12.01am on 25 November. You can read this here.

Under this, "essential workers" includes people providing "essential health services" but only if they are provided in accordance with Part 3 of the direction. A person may leave home to receive "essential health services."

These are in Schedule 1 of the direction. For allied health services, these are:
(a) allied health services provided by allied health professionals working as essential workers in hospitals providing critical clinical care or as directed by the hospital;
(b) allied health services provided by allied health professionals working in private practice providing care through telehealth and other virtual care options;
(c) students, medical/nursing/midwifery/allied health on placement providing essential care in hospitals or through telehealth;

There is also this FAQ saying the same thing about what are essential allied health services during the lockdown period which can be viewed here.

Sep 10: Update for Melbourne and Victorian podiatrists Read it here

Aug 19: CEO Update for Melbourne podiatrists
APodA CEO Nello Marino is joined by 3 Melbourne podiatrists in this video message to Melbourne podiatrists currently navigating Stage 4 restrictions. Watch the video here.

Aug 11: Medibank telehealth extension
Medibank has extended the use of telehealth for allied health including podiatry until further notice. Telehealth for podiatry was originally due to expire on the 30th September. You can read Medibanks media release here.

Aug 5: PPE for Victorian Allied Health Practitioners in Private Practice Settings

Victoria State Government has released new PPE guidance specific to Allied Health in private practice. Read it here

Aug 4: Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne - Implications for podiatrists

The APodA met this morning with the Chief Allied Health Officer and discussed a range of issues relating to the stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne and the impact for podiatrists. For a full update on the implications of these new restrictions on podiatrists, click here.

Aug 3: PPE Taskforce Update for VIC Podiatrists

Due to an increased risk of transmission of coronavirus the PPE Taskforce has updated its advice for all healthcare workers in Victoria. The main changes to the PPE tiers include:

Tier 0 is currently not applicable
Tier 1 – Eye protection is now a mandatory item
Tier 2 – The definition of Tier 2 has been redefined
Tier 3 – The definition of Tier 3 has been expanded to include a broader range of settings

Read in full here

July 30: Bupa no longer offering telehealth rebates for podiatry
Today Bupa announced telehealth rebates will continue for most allied health services except podiatry. We are disappointed and frustrated at Bupa’s decision. The decision has been made, we believe, due to a lack of telehealth claiming in podiatry. You can read Bupa’s media release here and our response via letter to Bupa’s CEO here. The conversation of telehealth with Bupa is not off the table and we will continue to work with Bupa on this matter.

July 23: Restrictions tighten for entry to NSW from Victoria

The NSW Government has made changes to the eligibility criteria for permits and redefined border zones. NSW permit advice will be updated to now include allied health.

Victorian Pods who travel into NSW for work

Any allied health practitioner who provides services into NSW from Victoria must be from the border zone and must not travel out of it in NSW.
If that person has been providing services outside the border zone in Victoria they will not be allowed into NSW.

NSW Pods who travel into Victoria for work

If someone lives in NSW in the border zone they will be allowed to provide services in Victoria as long as they stay within the Victorian part of the zone.
If they provide services such as home visits beyond the zone they will be required to self isolate for 14 days upon return.

For more information please visit here

July 22: Update to HBF and HCF telehealth benefits
We are pleased to see both HBF and HCF extend rebates for their customers for telehealth consultation by podiatrists to 31st December 2020.

HBF has shared a pack of marketing collateral that you can use to promote HBF telehealth benefits to your patients. You can find these under the HBF heading on our telehealth page.

July 9: New directive on surgical mask use for podiatrists in Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire
In light of the reinstated Stage 3 lockdownDeputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd has advised that all health professionals seeing patients for any reason should wear a standard surgical mask at all times. Applications for surgical masks can be made through your local PHN (Primary Health Network). If you are having any trouble in accessing masks please contact the APodA on 03 9416 3111. He also advised that telehealth should be employed where possible. For guidance in delivering telehealth please read our Telehealth Consultations Guide for Podiatrists.

July 8: Stage 3 lockdown reimposed on Melbourne Metro and Mitchell Shire areas
The Victorian Government has announced that as of midnight tonight Metropolitan Melburne and Mitchell Shire Local Government Areas will be returning to Stage 3 "Stay At Home" restrictions for a period of 6 weeks. For more information about what this entails please click here.

July 1: Stage Three restrictions reimposed on 10 Melbourne Suburbs.

The Victorian Government has announced that as of 1 July 2020 they are reimposing Stage Three restrictions on 10 postcodes in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases across Melbourne, until at least 29 July 2020. All the details here.

May 11: HBF announce telehealth rebates for Podiatry.

After lengthy negotiations HBF have today announced they will be rebating telehealth consultations for podiatry services. Backdated to the 1st April. We are pleased to see HBF come on board as another health insurers to recognise the vital role podiatry play in maintaining patients health and well being during a time of social distancing. Full information will be published on their website in the coming days and we will provide more information then.

May 7: WorkSafe Victoria Telehealth Update

As part of its response to COVID-19, WorkSafe Victoria has introduced temporary measures to support the continuation of essential health services for injured workers. This is the second release of WorkSafe’s temporary telehealth item codes and were introduced on Friday 1 May 2020. The temporary item codes will allow social workers, nurses, podiatrists, dieticians and speech pathologists to deliver services via telehealth. For more information and a list of codes, click here.

May 5: Infection Control Update

An Update from Therapeutic Goods Australia outlines what hand sanitiser products can be used by healthcare workers and those that should not. In light of the current shortages, products not TGA registered but manufactured in accordance with formulations advised by the World Health Organisation, can be used by healthcare workers. Read the full requirements here https://www.tga.gov.au/hand-sanitisers-and-covid-19

May 4: Mask availability through PHNs for Allied Health

Masks are now being made available through PHNs with podiatrists listed as ‘moderate priority’. There is now specific reference to Allied health in the distribution. Read the Department of Health Guidane of Distribution of PPE through PHNs here and the prioritisation list here.

April 30 : CEO Report - Membership Renewals opening tomorrow

In the latest video report our CEO, Nello Marino touches base on the current COVID- 19 impact on podiatry and discusses the membership renewals opening May 1. Watch it here

April 23: CEO Report - Discounted 2020/21 APodA Membership
This weeks CEO report emailed to members on Tuesday, announced the APodA's Covid-19 Financial Relief Package which will see a 25% discount on membership for 20/21. You can read the full CEO report here.

April 21, 2020: New webinar for all podiatrists - Telehealth for Podiatry: Part 2
Our second webinar on the ins and outs of Telehealth with our host, physiotherapist Karen Finnin. This webinar takes a deep dive into all things telehealth-related, including:
the consultation process, clinical safety, video platform selection, legal and safety, pricing, marketing, and more. Watch the webinar over on our Telehealth resources page.

April 21, 2020: Restrictions on telehealth bulk billing for the MBS have now been lifted
Restrictions on bulk billing for telehealth for on the MBS have now been lifted. You are now able to go about your normal CDM billing processes and charge a gap if you wish. Read the full news update here.

April 21, 2020: New advice on distribution of flu vaccinations to residential aged care facilities
If you work in the Aged Care sector it may be a requirement that you need to undergo a flu vaccination. The Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians and Minister for Youth and Sport, The Hon Senator Richard Colbeck, has today provided advice regarding the distribution of flu vaccinations through the PHNs to residential aged care facilities. You can read the full statement here.

April 21, 2020: COVID-19 Workplace Relations and WHS Guide for podiatrists
Wentworth Advantage, the APodA HR Advisory partner have released it's latest Workplace Relations and WHS Guide for member podiatrists.This resource covers Jobkeeper and amendments to the Fair Work Act, variations to modern awards and a comprehensive workplace relations Q and A.

Due to the extreme nature of this current situation, we are making this resource accessible for all podiatrists. You can access it here.

April 20, 2020: National principles for clinical education during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Australian Government in conjunction with the National Boards and AHPRA have developed these national priniciples. The document sets out national principles to guide the decisions of professions, accreditation authorities, education providers and health services about student clinical education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read them here

April 16, 2020: COVID-19 Workforce Issues Webinar

Last night, April 15, APodA hosted a COVID-19 workforce issues webinar. In this webinar, Mark Werman, who heads-up the APodA HR Advisory Service summarises the key staffing issues that podiatrists will need to consider. We have recorded this webinar and all podiatrists can now watch this for free here.

April 14, 2020: An Update from our CEO

Nello Marino, APodA CEO delivers an updated video message to our members on Wednesday 15 April as we navigate Coronavirus COVID-19 and the impact on podiatry. He also provides some information about our new Insurance partner BMS.
View the full video here.

April 9, 2020: Medibank Announces Telehealth Rebates

Today Medibank announced telehealth rebates for a range of Allied Health services – including podiatry. Read Medibank's full press release here, and find out all the details on these rebates, including Medibank's Position Statement over on our Telehealth resources page.

April 9 2020: Fair Work Commission approves variations to 99 Modern Awards

Fair Work Commission on April 8th approved variations to 99 Modern Awards to include additional measures to manage the impacts of COVID-19. You can read all of the updates here

April 8 2020: Telehealth Webinar Questions and Answers
You can now access the transcribed version of all the questions and responses from the Telehealth webinar from April 1, 2020. Please remember that this space is a quickly evolving and is being updated often, we will endeavour to adapt this information if needed. You can read the questions and answers (including useful links) in full here.

April 7, 2020: CEO Report
A message from our CEO - Nello Marino, APodA CEO delivers an updated message to our members on Tuesday 7 April as we navigate Coronavirus COVID-19 and the impact on podiatry. You can watch Nello's video or read the written script here.

April 2, 2020: Advocating for private health rebates for telehealth
The APodA have been lobbying on behalf of podiatrists to gain access to telehealth item numbers to be claimed by Private Health Funds. We have put forward our submission to Private Healthcare Australia who have distributed this to the individual funds for their consideration. Gaining access to telehealth rebates for podiatry is of the upmost importance to the Association. We ask that members be patient whilst we negotiate if rebates may be available. There are many moving parts to this process and things are moving at a very rapid pace. Please be assured that we are working hard to represent podiatrists interests with health funds and we will provide updates as they become available.

April 2, 2020: Hicaps are waiving all terminal fees until the end of June
HiCaps are waiving all terminal fees for the months of April, May and June. There is no need to apply, this will be done automatically across the board.

April 2, 2020: A joint statement from AHPRA and the National Boards on False and misleading advertising on COVID-19
"While the vast majority of health practitioners are responding professionally to the COVID-19 emergency and focusing on providing safe care, Ahpra and National Boards are seeing some examples of false and misleading advertising on COVID-19. During these challenging times, it is vital that health practitioners only provide information about COVID-19 that is scientifically accurate and from authoritative sources."
Read this statement in full here.

April 1, 2020: Teleheath for DVA patients
Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) issued advice for all DVA clients that they now have access to allied health services via telehealth, where clinical necessary. You can read what this means for podiatry and access the updated fee schedule here.

March 31, 2020: An update from the APodA CEO Nello Marino
In this update, our APodA CEO Nello is offering support to all podiatrists and clarifying our recent position statement. You can read the script of Nello's video update and access the video here.

March 31, 2020: COVID-19 JobKeeper Payment
Yesterday the Australian Federal Government announced an important wage subsidy to ensure eligible employers and employees stay connected and supported during some inevitable business downturns and temporary closures. Some key things to know about the JobKeeper payment can be found here.

March 30, 2020: APodA clarification on position
The APodA statement issued on Friday 27 March was provided to assist podiatrists to understand the complexities of the decisions required to be made in this very uncertain time. Despite this, the statement issued on Friday appears to have caused some confusion which we would like to rectify. You can read the clarification here.

March 30, 2020: Bulk-billed Medicare-subsided telehealth services
Yesterday the 29th of March, the Minister for Health Greg Hunt released stage 4 of the temporary MBS item numbers for Telehealth – these now include Allied Health services including podiatry. These item numbers are effective from 8am today, Monday the 30th of March. Important links and key points to note for podiatrists can be found here.

March 28, 2020: A position statement from the APodA on treating patients through the COVID-19 pandemic
In light of the over-arching public health advice around reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the APodA would like to highlight the responsibility we all have (both professionally and personally) to be a part of solving this public health crisis. You can read this APodA position statement here.

March 27, 2020: An Update from the Podiatry Board of Australia
The latest update from the Podiatry Board of Australia addresses what COVID-19 will mean for podiatrists and podiatric surgeons and directs podiatrists to useful resources. You can read the full update here.

March 26, 2020: A letter to Allied Health from The Department of Health.
The Department of Health have written to Allied Health providers with the latest guidance.
You can read this letter in full here.

March 25, 2020: Information on elective surgery cancellations
As of March 25, all non-urgent elective surgery will be temporarily suspended. Only Category 1 and some exceptional Category 2 surgery will continue until further notice. This will apply in both the public and private health systems.

More detail here.

March 24, 2020: Coming Together - an update from the APodA CEO Nello Marino
During these uncertain and difficult times, our APodA CEO Nello is offering support to all podiatrists and reminding our community that we are all in this together. You can read Nello's update here. You can watch the video of this CEO Message here.

March 18, 2020: COVID-19 Update - A Message from our CEO
In these unprecedented and difficult times, our CEO Nello Marino will be offering updates to all podiatrists. You can read today's CEO Update here.

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APodA Updates & Statements