Notification about COVID-19/Coronavirus

Last updated: 04/12/2021

In line with current health directives, Universal Flow is open for business for those who are fully vaccinated.  You will be required to check in and show your vaccination certificate at the time of your session. 

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About COVID-19

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The COVID-19 strain of coronavirus has caused an outbreak of respiratory infections in most nations of the world. On the 11th of March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. More information about what defines a pandemic, what this means and the COVID-19 virus can be found on the VIC Department of Health website.

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Symptoms of COVID-19 infection

It is important that we are all aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

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From the Department of Health website:

“Patients may have fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and other symptoms.  In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.”

This link contains more information on COVID-19, including statistics, symptoms and methods of avoiding spread of the infection.

Note that the symptoms of COVID-19/ Coronavirus are difficult to distinguish from a regular cold or flu.

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Please call your doctor and seek their advice if you develop any of the symptoms listed above.

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What COVID-19 means for us

This infection is present in the community of [location]. How infectious COVID-19 is, how rapidly it will spread and how dangerous it is, are not currently completely understood. Many people are naturally concerned about the virus and their risk of catching it and developing the infection. Unfortunately, testing for the virus is very difficult at this time. Only a few pathology centres are able to offer the test, and they are currently overwhelmed by demand, causing prolonged and impractical delays in getting results. We are also entering the normal cold and flu season, and the recent drop in temperatures means that we are all far more likely to catch the regular viruses of the autumn and winter seasons.

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The commitment of my clinic

I am dedicated to high standards of infection control. That remains unchanged during this time, with the exception of the following additional precautions:

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What I ask of you, my clients:

• Please delay appointments if you have returned from overseas travel. Outbreaks are occurring worldwide, so restrictions on treatment following travel must apply to all countries. The recommended isolation time after your return is two weeks.

• Please cancel your appointment if you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever,

  • Cough,

  • Runny nose,

  • Shortness of breath.

• Hand sanitiser is available in the clinic room. I ask that you use it on arrival.  Hand-wash is available if you prefer.

• If you have an underlying lung condition, are you receiving chemotherapy or have a low immune system, I suggest you delay appointments until we have a better understanding of the spread of this infection.

 

My commitment to you:

• I have not travelled internationally in the past month, and am not intending to do so in the foreseeable future. 

• I am aware of symptoms of the virus and will not come to work should I develop these symptoms. This may cause delays to your treatment, and some of your appointments may need to be postponed. I apologise for any inconvenience and will give you as much notice as possible of changes to your booking.

• My hand hygiene practices are currently excellent. I wash my hands regularly (before and after every client) and in accordance with the protocols described by Hand Hygiene Australia.

• I am wiping down the clinic room surfaces and all common areas and surfaces after every client with alcohol based cleansers.

• I am cleaning the face piece of the massage table with alcohol spray & wipes before and after every client.

• Try to arrive only a few minutes before your appointed time so that you can be directed straight through to the clinic room. 

• I am keeping up-to-date with releases issued by the Department of Health VIC in relation to COVID-19.  I will act according to their directions.

• It is possible that I may need to postpone all sessions if advised to do so by the Department of Health VIC. If this occurs, I will notify you as promptly as possible. 

• It is possible that I may need to close the clinic if advised to do so by the government and/or the Department of Health VIC

 

Please visit this page often, as I will be updating it regularly as new information comes to light.

 

Your understanding at this difficult and uncertain time is appreciated.

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Do not hesitate to call me on 0417 328 241 if you have questions or concerns that you wish to discuss.

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Your truly,

William Lo Giudice

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Previous update: 08/08/2020

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Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA) have informed all practitioners that we are only permitted to treat clients if the absence of, or delay of care, would result in a significant change/deterioration of the patient/clients functional independence necessitating an escalation of care. 

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Examples provided by DHHS of when it is appropriate for care to be provided to a patient include the following:

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1. To avoid the requirement for a specialist input/review

2. To avoid an increase in care needs and/or alternate accommodation;

3. To avoid a hospital admission or emergency department presentation

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Ultimately, this means treatment should only be provided if it is considered 'essential' throughout Stage 4 (ending September 13th 2020) and where not receiving care is likely  to lead to a significant deterioration in the health and well being of the client. 

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Previous update: 06/04/2020

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I have today received the following notification from my association, Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA):

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“The Victorian 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?'

 

‘Spas and massage parlours providing relaxation massages as distinct from therapeutic or remedial massage’

 

The Association interprets this as confirming that therapeutic and remedial massage have been differentiated from that of relaxation massage and can be performed by members”

 

See here for further details: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-stay-home-and-restricted-activities-directions-faq

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As such, I will be continuing to offer my services.  I am continuing to stay up to date with the latest information and will advise you should there be any changes.