Please note What's New in the MAA office
State/Territory Government Health Departments link to COVID-19 Restriction
Massage Association of Australia also do empathized the frustration of members around the lack of clarity regarding the delivery of massage therapy during the COVID-19 crisis.
PLEASE NOTE:
MAA can only advise Members to continue to monitor their State/Territory Government Health departments information. The current environment continues to change and Legislative Instruments may continue to be updated/altered as each State sees fit.
MAA cannot advise any member to work or not to work. That decision has to be an individual decision made by the Member based on the law in their State or Territory.
MAA does not provide legal advice or individual interpretation of the law. We can only provide tools or links that may help them navigate through the Government websites. (Education)
Victoria Update on Restricted Activities
The Victoria Department of Health and Human Services have released the below statement on their website in answer to the frequently asked question, 'Which beauty and personal care businesses are currently prohibited?':
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/shopping-and-retail-restrictions-covid-19#which-personal-services-are-now-open
Which personal services are now open?
From 11.59pm on 31 May, some businesses providing personal care services can now open.
This includes the following businesses:
beauty therapy, spray-tanning, waxing and nail salons
spa and massage services providing relaxation massages as distinct from therapeutic or remedial massage (which have remained open)
tattoo and piercing services
Up to 20 customers are allowed on one premises at any one time, subject to the four square metre rule, and the business is required to take your first name and contact phone number. Physical distancing should be maintained between customers.
MAA also reminds members who continue to treat to always maintain vigilant hygiene and infection control.
We will keep you updated as new information comes to hand.
2.06.2020
Northern Territory Update on Restricted Activities
The Northern Territory Department of Health have updated their 'events and gatherings' website page to say that restrictions regarding massage specifically excludes 'remedial/sports/lymphatic massage'.
MAA interprets this as confirming that therapeutic and remedial massage have been differentiated from that of relaxation massage and can be performed by members. It is, as always, your choice whether to remain open or closed based on the information available.
MAA also reminds members who continue to treat to always maintain vigilant hygiene and infection control.
We will keep you updated as new information comes to hand.
NSW Update on Restricted Activities
NSW Government
Link : https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules
What you can and can't do under the rules
Find out how public health orders affect where you can go and what is open, closed or restricted.
Members must make their own decisions based on their Risk Management Policy and Procedures and adhere to all other rules relating to the NSW Government Rules.
OPEN
Healthcare
Call ahead if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling unwell.
- Chemist
- Doctors and medical centres
- Hospitals
- Pathology
- Physiotherapy
- Remedial or therapeutic massage services
CLOSED
Personal services
- Massage parlours
- Nail, beauty, waxing and tanning salons
- Spas (including where they are part of a hotel)
- Tattoo parlours
- Strip clubs and sex services premises
RESTRICTIONS APPLY EXCEPT FOR
Private homes
Caring for others
- It is reasonable to leave your home or visit a home to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person. Follow social distancing and personal hygiene advice from NSW Health.
According to latest update NSW can open for Remedial or therapeutic massage services now updated 15.04.2020
Queensland Update on Restricted Activities
QLD Government - Queensland Health - Chief Health Officer public health directions
Link : https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers
21.04.2020 Queensland Health update massage
Non-essential business, activity and undertaking Closure Direction (No.6) https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/non-essential-business-closure-direction
Summary
Effective from: 21 April 2020
Posted: 21 April 2020
Direction from Chief Health Officer in accordance with emergency powers arising from the declared public health emergency
Public Health Act 2005 (Qld)
Section 362B
For the purposes of this Public Health Direction:
Non-essential business, activity, or undertaking means a business, activity, undertaking, premises or place listed in Column 1 unless the exception listed in Column 2 applies:
|
Column 1 Business, activity, undertaking, premises or place
Beauty and personal
care services
|
Column 2 Exceptions
|
| Spas and massage parlours |
Health services provided by health practitioners registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, with social distancing observed to the extent possible.
Example – physiotherapists and chiropractors
Massage therapy for the management or prevention of a disease, injury or condition, provided by a qualified massage therapist, with social distancing observed to the extent possible.
|
Definitions
Qualified massage therapist means a massage therapist who:
- holds a relevant qualification (minimum AQF level 5 (Diploma)) under the Australian Qualifications Framework;
Example – Diploma of Remedial Massage or Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy)
- is a member of a professional organisation within the meaning of section 10 of the Private Health Insurance (Accreditation) Rules 2011 (Cwlth); and
- holds approved provider status with one or more private health funds.
Remedial Massage are permitted to work in QLD Now
Updated 22/04/2020
SA Update on Restricted Activities
SA Government
Link: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-declarations/business-closures
COVID-19 FAQs Updated 24 April 2020
Extract from COVID-19 FAQs 24.04.2020:
Can I get a massage? Massage parlours are closed. However, remedial or therapeutic massage and myotherapy services provided in a clinical or health care setting may continue.
Remedial and Therapeutic Massage is now permitted in SA
Updated 27.04.2020
WA Update on Restricted Activities
WA Government
Link: https://www.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Restriction%20of%20Activities%20Direction_1.pdf
In Western Australia, massages that are provided through professional services like physiotherapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapists are not currently prohibited by the Closure and Restriction (Limit the Spread) Directions made by the State Emergency Coordinator on 7 April 2020.
WA Police Force Liaison to State Health Incident Coordination Centre | Covid 19 (notice attached)
Members are recommended to keep a copy of the above attachment with them in case someone thinks they are doing something wrong.
Members are reminded it is their choice to remain open or close. Risk factors must be considered depending on your own personal situation and the risk factors of those around you.
Remedial Massage permitted
updated 20/04/2020
Tasmania Update on Restricted Activities
TAS Government
Link: https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/business-and-employees/business-restrictions
Massage not permitted
ACT Update on Restricted Activities
ACT Public Health link to Notifiable Instrument Non-Essential Business
Extract:
v. a spa or massage parlourbut not:
i.massage services provided by or for allied health services, such as remedial, sports, and lymphatic massage
Remedial Massage is now permitted in ACT.
updated: 23.04.2020