PACFA members in several states continue to live and work within Covid-19-related lockdowns and changing restrictions.
The article
‘Updates for counselling and psychotherapy during Covid’ is updated when restrictions change in each state.
PACFA advises that members living or working in areas under ‘stay at home’ rules should follow the intent of the orders, to restrict movement and proximity, and practise online or via telehealth, unless you work in a service which is allowed to stay open, such as a health service.
NSW
NSW is under ‘stay at home’ orders, with restrictions in place for residents of regional NSW until at least 10 September 2021. On 20 August 2021, the NSW Government tightened rules for people living/working in Sydney local government areas of concern, Bayside, Strathfield, Burwood, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta and some suburbs of Penrith.
Victoria
The Victorian Government announced on 1 September that the majority of Melbourne’s ‘stay at home’ restrictions will remain in place until 70 per cent of Victorians have received at least one vaccine dose, anticipated by 23 September.
The Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged that restrictions are likely to ease in regional Victoria before Melbourne’s restrictions. All PACFA staff, who are based in Melbourne, are working from home.
ACT
The ACT lockdown has been extended until at least 11.59pm 17 September 2021.
Resources for members
PACFA has a range of resources for you to adapt to working online, including a free webinar and a course which will run in September and November.
If you or your clients are struggling with lockdown,
these self-care webinar notes from PACFA Research Committee Chair Dr Alexandra Bloch-Atefi, may also be useful.