This advice is for ATMS members in Tasmania.
Today we publish in full the advice from the Tasmanian Department of Health confirmed overnight on 30 April 2020.
This advice confirms that health care services, specifically including remedial massage therapy, are not prevented in appropriate clinic settings. Specific premises as noted, including massage parlours, are not permitted to open or operate.
The evolving advice from Tasmanian Department of Health:
Final update, 30 April 2020:
The Gatherings direction does not prevent health care services being undertaken at other locations, aside from medical or health facilities, so long as the premises is not prohibited from opening or operating and it can comply with the remainder of the Gatherings direction and the Stay at Home directions.
First update:
As noted below, medical and health service facilities are not prevented from operating in Tasmania under the Gatherings Direction. Health services, which may include remedial massage therapy, can continue to be provided if the services can be delivered from a medical or health services facility (such as a physiotherapy or other similar facility). The services cannot be provided from spas, massage parlours and other similar premises.
Initial email:
I refer to your email below in which you seek clarification regarding the ability of myotherapists to continue to practice under the current restrictions that are in place under the Public Health Act 1997 in order to manage the threat to public health posed by COVID-19.
As you are aware, health service facilities are not prevented from operating in Tasmania. As myotherapists each provide health care services, they may continue to provide such services, to the extent that they constitute health care services and can be delivered from a medical or health services facility.
Premises such as gymnasiums, health clubs, fitness centres, wellness centres and other similar premises or venues are not permitted to open or operate. The only exception to this requirement is where part of the premises or venue is used to provide physical rehabilitation services that are provided by, or under the direction of, a registered health practitioner within the meaning of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Tasmania) or a person who holds accreditation as an accredited exercise physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia. I have been advised that it is not proposed to broaden this exception any further at this time.
The restrictions that apply change regularly and you may wish to regularly visit the Tasmanian Government’s dedicated Coronavirus website www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au.
Kind regards,
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| Office of the State Health Commander - Legal |
| COVID-19 Emergency Coordination Centre |
| Department of Health |
| Level 1, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart TAS 7000 |
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