Australian Optometry Practices Can Currently Remain Open
Update 27-03-2020: based on the advice of the Department of Health, Optometry Australia recommends that optometrists use their clinical judgement to determine if appointments can be postponed without undue risk to patient health or well-being and that they should begin working within that framework for now.
The Australian National Cabinet agreed on 22 March 2020 to move to more widespread restrictions on social gatherings. Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed to implement, through state and territory laws, new Stage 1 restrictions on social gatherings, to be reviewed on a monthly basis. Australians should expect these measures to be in place for at least 6 months.
The following facilities are restricted from opening from midday local time 23 March 2020:
- Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
- Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
- Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies).
However, Optometry Australia has received confirmation from the Federal Health Minister, the Hon Greg Hunt, that optometry practices can currently remain open (if they wish). Optometry Australia also expects there may be further announcements that may impact optometry in the coming days and weeks and hopes to have positive news in the near future about telehealth and Medicare opportunities for optometry.
Isolated remote community hubs are not included in these restrictions. Other facilities are not impacted but will be considered under stage 2 restrictions, if necessary. These measures also apply to outdoor spaces associated with the above venues.
These enhanced measures build on existing measures to slow the virus and save lives:
- No non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outside or more than 100 people inside.
- All non-essential indoor gatherings of less than 100 people must have no more than one person per 4sqm. All Australians should expect their local businesses to be following this rule.
- Where possible, keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others
- Avoid non essential travel
- Restrictions on entering aged care homes to protect older Australians
