The actions and information from MA, including any recommendation for businesses, will be driven by the Australian Government Department of Health and the World Health Organization. See the latest links for detailed guidelines from the government via each individual jurisdiction :

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

The Association will inform members of each jurisdiction if Public Health Orders require their business to cease in-person patient care.

As your Industry Association we are doing our very best to sift through government advices, cross-check with government and pass on to you, our members, the clearest information we can.

We will continue to liaise with ALL governments to provide you accurate information.

Please stay informed by visiting your governments covid updates:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

See our guide

Some important information to consider before treating patients following their Covid Vaccination

Vaccine side effects

You may experience minor side effects following vaccination. Most side effects last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.

Some people will experience more significant flu-like symptoms from the vaccine compared to other common vaccinations and may need time away from normal activities. For the Pfizer (COMIRNATY) vaccine, these symptoms are more common after the second dose. For the AstraZeneca vaccine, these symptoms are more common after the first dose.

What do I need to know about the side effect identified in some people that have had the Astra Zeneca Vaccine?

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, which prevents blood flowing normally through the body.

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are blood cells that help blood clot. Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries.

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is a rare and new syndrome which has been reported after being given the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. It may be caused by this vaccine. The condition involves blood clots (occurring in body sites like the brain or abdomen) together with low platelet levels.

What should I screen for with patients if they have informed me they have recently had the Astra Zeneca vaccination?

The clotting syndrome that has been linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine is extremely rare, affecting an estimated four to six people for every million people who receive the first dose of the vaccine.

The clotting condition occurs between four and 20 days after the first dose of vaccine.

You may experience some side effects following vaccination. Most side effects last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.

Common reactions to vaccination include pain, redness and/or swelling where you received the needle, mild fever, headache and flu-like symptoms.

Serious reactions such as allergic reactions are extremely rare.

Use the COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker if you have concerns about any symptoms after your vaccine. The checker is also available through the National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day.

Patients should be screened for the following symptoms, and should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following:

* shortness of breath

* chest pain

* swelling in your leg

* persistent abdominal (belly) pain

* neurological symptoms, including severe and persistent headaches or blurred vision

* tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of injection.

Refer on to their GP or ED at their local hospital advising that they let staff know that you have recently had the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Patients should be advised to see their doctor or health care professional as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital if they:

* have a reaction they consider severe or unexpected

* are concerned about their condition after vaccination.

Best practice would be to suggest patients consider waiting for 2-days post-vaccination before having a Remedial Massage or Myotherapy treatment as a precautionary measure.

Patients can also be provided with the covid symptom checker if they think they may be experiencing side-effects

If patients haven't had enough time to know if there's a reaction or they're just beginning to feel what may be symptoms, it is recommended to delay treatment.

*information source: The Australian Government | Department of Health

READ OUR POLICY DOCUMENT

View the most up to date information about the recommendations and correct use of PPE here.

Refer to your local state government for the latest responses to the coronavirus pandemic. You can also check restrictions in all states and territories using the COVID-19 Restriction Checker or COVID Information for your workplace from Safe Work Australia.

The Government is providing free online training on the below:

COVID-19 infection control training

Infection Prevention and Control eLearning Modules

Looking after your mental health during Covid-19 restrictions

Coronavirus information and support for business

We appreciate that these unprecedented events are presenting financial challenges for many members. Members who may experience difficulty committing to membership renewal payments are encouraged to contact our team so that we can discuss what options are available at [email protected]

Federal and State Governments have announced, and are continuing to announce stimulus packages. Stay informed by visiting:

Services Australia deliver government payments and services

business.gov.au

Assistance For Small Business

Federal Treasurer’s announcements

If you have already had to make the tough decision to stand your staff

down, please consider providing them with a letter such as this:

XX/XX/2021

Notice of Stand down of employment during the COVID-19 required shutdown

Dear XXXX,

Due to to the direction from the State and Federal governments, XXXXX will have to close for the foreseeable future.

I am providing you this notice that we are unable to sustain your employment through this time, which puts you in the best position possible to utilise the schemes available from the banks and the government.

Best of luck,

Staff may require this letter for Centrelink benefits. For further info see Fairwork site.

All practicing members are strongly encouraged to carefully evaluate patients lists and provide telepractice (remote consultations) where it is deemed practically appropriate.

Resources for Telehealth can be found in this webinar or in the Telepractice Guidelines.

No. At this stage, video/remote consultations conducted by myotherapists are not a rebatable private health insurance service.

We encourage you to clearly outline this when obtaining patient financial consent for remote consultations. MA also encourages members to clearly note this on your receipts for example this is not a rebatable private health insurance service.

In the interest of reducing the likelihood of confusion for patients receiving remote consultations, we strongly recommend providers remove their provider number from these receipts.

Decisions by government regarding video/remote consultations are rapidly evolving. We are in regular contact with the private health insurers to ask them to reconsider whether they will pay rebates for remote consultations.

Recognising that this is a difficult time for our members, MA want to remind members that it is important that you practice self-care and reach out if you are experiencing challenges in managing your mental health throughout these and other times. View mental health helplines here.