COVID-19 response update for primary care and allied health practitioners – 2 September

This webinar on 2 September is part of a series to update primary care and allied health practitioners on the COVID-19 response. The panel will provide key updates and answer participants’ questions.

Audience:
Health sector
Webinar date:
to

Presenters

  • Professor Michael Kidd
  • Dr Anne-marie Boxall
  • Dr Catherine Kelaher

Question and answer

Question: If wearing a surgical mask do you need to change it between every patient?

Answer: No, you don’t need to change a surgical mask between every patient. A surgical mask can be used continuously for up to 4 hours, as long as it does not become moist, soiled or damaged. Avoid touching the mask with your hands when putting it on and taking it off, so your hands are not contaminated.

See more information on the correct use of face masks.

It is recommended you visit this website regularly to remain updated on any changes or amendments.

Question: How will the Australian Government facilitate agreement by the states of a common definition of essential allied health?

Answer: The definition of essential allied health is used to manage state and territory border closures. This is the responsibility of jurisdictional governments.

The Australian Government’s Chief Allied Health Officer (CAHO) Dr Anne-marie Boxall liaises regularly with CAHOs in all state and territory health departments. The jurisdictional CAHOs provide advice and support to those with responsibility in their governments for managing border closures.

High-level discussions on border closure disruptions are occurring. In addition the National Cabinet discussed border closures on 4 September 2020. Read more information about this meeting.  

Question: As a speech pathologist with kids in Queensland, I need my mouth to show, and I often cannot social distance and still be effective. Do I need to move to telehealth or cease services for my NDIS clients?

Answer: Thank you for considering the safest way to deliver services to your NDIS clients. The first consideration is the level of community transmission in your local area. Currently, only some areas of Queensland are deemed at risk and warrant wearing a face mask.

For services that require a face to be visible, you may find the following techniques to reduce the need for a face mask useful:

  • Where possible keep your distance from the client.
  • Virtually interact via cameras, etc (if practical) to reduce face-to-face contact.
  • Use engineering controls – that is, transparent Perspex or similar barriers between the practitioner and the client.

Please also continue to check the Queensland Health website for up-to-date information.

How to watch the webinar

You do not need to RSVP for the webinar, and there is no limit to the number of participants.

To participate in a live webinar, follow these steps:

  • Click on the Webinar link. This will take you to the webinar page.
  • To start a live webinar, click on the ‘launch’ button (no log in is required). For upcoming webinars, this button will only appear 15 minutes prior to the event start time, and once launched will only display a holding image in the video player.
  • After you click on the ‘launch’ button, you will see a video player - this is where you will watch the webinar. For upcoming webinars there will also be a chat window which you can use to submit your questions.
  • You can test whether you can watch the live webinar from your device before the event. If the video pauses, please refresh your web browser by pressing F5 on your keyboard.

To watch a webinar that has finished airing, follow these steps:

  • Click on the Webinar link. This will take you to the webinar page.
  • click on the play icon on the webinar screen.

Please note:

  1. 15 minutes prior to the event start time, you will only see a holding image in the video player.
  2. Before the event, please test whether you can watch the live webinar from your computer, laptop or tablet.
  3. If the video pauses, refresh your web browser by pressing F5 on your keyboard.
Date published:
Date last updated:

Help us improve health.gov.au

If you would like a response please use the enquiries form instead.