Coronavirus (Covid-19 disease) – Safety Plan and Precautions at Inner Actions

(Issued 12 November 2021)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new or novel coronavirus which was initially referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the spread of COVID-19 as a pandemic which simply means that the virus has spread across the world. This COVID-19 Safety Plan outlines the steps I am taking at Inner Actions to help keep my clients safe in the pandemic, and to ensure that I am complying with the relevant law and regulations. It builds on previous advice which outlined the steps I have been taking to reduce the risk of infection in the premises.

The information in this document is general in nature. You should seek professional medical advice where necessary, and refer to formal sources of information such as the Federal Department of Health websitewww.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert.

General safety steps which have been implemented:

• Check-In QR code: Deakin Chambers Psychologists (Unit 4, 14 Hannah Place Deakin) has a Check-in Canberra QR code which is located on the counter on the left as you enter the premises. Please check-in using this code when you arrive at the premises.

• General hygiene: There is a hand sanitiser dispenser at the entrance to the premises (on the right as you enter). Please use this to disinfect your hands when you arrive. I routinely clean the EFTPOS terminal, side table and handle to my consulting room with antibacterial wipes. Keep in mind that the premises and bathroom are shared spaces and out of my control to monitor and keep clean. I have hand sanitiser and paper towels which you can use.

• Other steps I am taking to maintain good hygiene within the consulting room: I place clean glasses upside down on the side table. Please leave any used glasses upright to signal that they need to be changed. I also ensure that the bottle of water is thoroughly washed each time it is used and at the end of each day. Feel free to use an antibacterial wipe when pouring water for yourself.

• Use of masks and maintaining social distancing (1.5 metres): Under the current restrictions, ACT residents aged 12 years and older are encouraged to wear a mask when in an indoor setting where physical distancing from people not known to them may not be possible. Given the layout of the premises where Inner Actions is co-located (Unit 4, 14 Hannah Place Deakin) it is advisable that individuals wear a mask when in the building and when entering Unit 4 (unless you have a medical exemption). I ask that you continue to wear a mask until you are seated in in the consulting room. At that point we would be able to maintain the recommended social distance of 1.5 metres from each other so you can remove your mask if you feel comfortable doing so. Please do put it on again before standing up or moving from the chair, and when you are leaving the premises.

• Potential illness: Please refrain from attending the practice if you have any of the listed symptoms which could be linked to COVID. If you have any of these or other unexpected symptoms, please arrange a COVID test as soon as possible.

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or blocked nose

• Loss of taste or smell

• Less common symptoms of muscle or joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite fatigue

• Note that symptoms can develop between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus

• I am monitoring my own health and minimising any potential exposure to infection: If and where I identify a risk of infection, I will cancel all appointments and isolate myself for the recommended period. This would mean cancelling all appointments scheduled during my isolation. If I need to do this, I’ll contact all impacted clients as soon as possible.

• If and where the situation worsens, I may temporarily close the practice: This may occur if restrictions are again placed on movements in our region. I will keep clients who have scheduled appointments up to date with any developments that impact on the practice and on my capacity to continue providing face-to-face appointments.

• Current provision for telehealth sessions to be covered by Medicare: The Australian Government has approved the use of telehealth for psychological treatment/sessions (currently in place until 31 Dec 2021). You can request that your sessions with me be via telehealth at any time, including during times when you may be concerned about your safety.

Steps you can take to protect yourself and others

There are specific things we can each do to protect ourselves and reduce the spread of infection:

• Monitor yourself for potential symptoms and follow recommended steps if you are at risk or identified as being infected: This is very important if you have come into contact with someone identified as being at high risk of infection or who has tested positively for the virus. Please let me know before attending any scheduled session with me if this applies to you. I also ask that you don’t come to sessions for any periods during which you are unsure of your status or during which you are potentially infectious. This will help to reduce the spread of the virus to clients who are more vulnerable to developing serious symptoms.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water: I have hand sanitiser in my consulting room which you can use when you come to sessions. I will also have antibacterial wipes available for individuals who prefer to use them. Please put used wipes in the black bin next to the chairs in the room.

• Cough and sneeze into your elbow: Please use the tissues provided in the consulting room and dispose the tissues in the black bin which is on the floor near the chairs.

For more information about COVID-19

• For the latest advice, information and resources, go to the Australian Government Department of Health homepage at www.health.gov.au

• Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

• Contact your state or territory Public Health Authority:

• In the ACT, call 02 5124 9213 during business hours or (02) 9962 4155 after hours.

• Refer to www.health.gov.au for contact numbers for other states and for the NT.