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26 Mar 2020
The Chiropractic Board of Australia (the Board) recognises the important role of chiropractors as primary healthcare providers within the community and on behalf of the Board, I thank you for your work during this challenging time.
In our previous e-bulletin of 23 March, we advised how the increased need for registered health practitioners is being supported and of the work being done with health departments and others to prioritise registration for medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, paramedics and pharmacists as a matter of urgency, with an additional focus on psychologists and physiotherapists.
The Board would like to clarify that the urgency surrounding the registration of physiotherapists is to support those who are providing critical care in intensive care situations within health services.
We understand that chiropractors and all health professionals will play an important role in the rehabilitation of people within the community, resulting from this pandemic. The circumstances surrounding COVID-19 are fast paced and changing every day and we encourage you stay updated with the latest information.
On 23 March 2020 the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee placed limits on organised gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups. The current response to COVID-19 is to contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison subsequently announced that non-essential gatherings are suspended for an initial four weeks to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. The Australian Government has described a healthcare setting as an essential indoor gathering.
While services provided by chiropractors currently fall within this category (an essential indoor gathering), you should stay up to date with the latest information to provide safe care to your patients in this rapidly changing environment and to ensure your safety and that of your staff.
The Australian Government Department of Health provides up-to-date information via the Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert. This is updated daily and includes information on the current status, protection of yourself and others including appropriate infection control measures, and additional advice. There is also a fact sheet which provides information for clinicians and advice for the health and aged care sector.
We remind you that you must comply with the Commonwealth and your respective state and territory jurisdictional health directions and guidance about COVID-19.
The Board is working with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) to provide helpful information, including answers to common questions, which is being regularly updated and can be linked to from the Board’s website.
During these unprecedented times, it is important that all practitioners look after themselves and each other. Information about general support services is available on the Ahpra website.
If you have any further concerns or questions about any of this information, please contact us on COVID19@ahpra.gov.au.
Dr Wayne Minter AM Chiropractor Chair, Chiropractic Board of Australia