The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has released its updated Industry Restart Guidelines for allied health and primary care services in Victoria.
The guidelines have been updated to reflect current public health advice (effective as of 6pm 26 March 2021).
Telehealth remains the preferred option for care. All businesses must continue to have a COVIDSafe Plan in place, including when operating a business from a residential address.
Employers must keep a record of all staff, clients, and any other visitors (e.g., a person accompanying a client) who attend for longer than 15 minutes. This should include first name, contact number, date and time of visit, and areas of the workplace visited – and preferably be done electronically.
For psychologists conducting indoor groups, a density quotient of one person per two square metres applies
Face masks
The DHHS has updated its guidance on personal protective equipment.
For psychologists working in private practice settings, the DHHS recommends that you should wear a surgical grade mask in all patient-facing areas. This includes non-clinical staff. This has changed from the previous guidance, which had stipulated that masks must be worn. The APS encourages members to use their professional discretion.
Updated guidance on PPE is also available for psychologists working for community service providers and in the aged care sector.
Clients/visitors are no longer required to wear a face mask however they must carry a face mask at all times. Masks are strongly recommended whenever physical distancing of 1.5 metres from others cannot be maintained. Psychologists can still choose to stipulate that face masks are to be worn as part of their COVIDSafe Plan.
Answers to frequently asked questions relating to COVID-19 can be found in the FAQ section on our website.