The COVID-19 pandemic places an added level of complexity and concern for patient care. The health and wellbeing of our community, staff and clients is a priority for us. We are doing what we can to continue to support you as well as comply with containment advice from the Victorian Government’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
Face to Face Physiotherapy
The Department of Health’s advice considers physiotherapy an essential service. From a national perspective, we recommend that members use their professional judgment when determining if a face-to-face consultation is most appropriate.
Physio-led group exercise classes
Our group exercise classes resume from 26th June 2020. We will be aligning with Victorian Government’s DHHS advice, with relevant infection control principles applied. The APA’s view is that physiotherapy group interventions are permissible in
each state and territory provided they adhere to necessary social distancing and hygiene precautions.
The APA recommends that Physiotherapists apply the following limits in group classes with a social distancing of 4 metres squared per person enforced:
Allow an average 4m2 per person in a group exercise space as a guide PLUS physical distancing of equipment/mats so patients are kept more than 1.5m apart.
Staggered class times to minimise cross over of patients exiting/entering group exercise spaces and the waiting room.
Allow adequate time for a class to be conducted safely with respect to cleaning of equipment after every single client use. Class times may vary to accommodate this.
The APA recommends that Physios use their professional judgement to decide about the appropriateness of offering face-to-face sessions including group classes for vulnerable members of the community. Telehealth consultations are to be considered for those clients.
