Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – Information for members

This page was last updated on 6 August 2020

PACFA encourages all counsellors and psychotherapists to continue operating as your services are essential for the mental health of the community. We will keep all members informed of available training, resources and other supports to assist you.

PACFA is working hard to continually monitor the impact of COVID-19 in Australia and we have identified the following issues of concern:

  • the risk of infection for practitioners working in organisations or in private practice, as well as risks to their clients
  • the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of clients and of the community in general
  • the impact on PACFA meetings and professional development events

We have compiled some useful resources below, which will be updated regularly to provide information to members and other stakeholders about the evolving situation.

PACFA Resources & Member Support

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice & Resources 

Australian Government – National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan 

 

Australian Government COVIDSafe App  

The COVIDSafe app has been developed by the Australian Government Department of Health to help keep the community safe from coronavirus (COVID-19). PACFA members are encouraged to practice the principles of informed consent in the event that you are contacted for the purposes of contact tracing via COVIDSafe.

  • COVIDSafe (Apple Store) – iPhone & iOS devices
  • COVIDSafe (Google Play) – Android devices

Read the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe Privacy Statement here. 

Read the joint media release Health Professionals support the COVIDSafe app. 

Read and download further COVIDSafe App campaign resources from the Department of Health.

 

Australian Government Coronavirus App 

All information in the Australian Government Coronavirus app is sourced from Australia’s leading health organisations and has undergone a quality assurance process so people can know it is safe, appropriate and relevant for Australians.

Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee is the key decision making committee for health emergencies. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer.

The AHPPC will continue to provide the National Cabinet with regular updates and advice on a range of key issues throughout the duration of Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic response. 

See: Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

Coronavirus Health Information Line

Call this line if you are seeking information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact 1800 020 080.

 

National Broadband Network (NBN) Co Relief package 

On April 17, NBN Co announced that it is establishing a $150 million financial relief and assistance fund to help Australian service providers maintain their business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic response. 

The relief fund aims to help internet providers to:

  • connect low-income households with home schooling needs
  • support emergency and essential services
  • assist small and medium-sized businesses and residential customers facing financial hardship

As part of this relief package, internet providers will be offered support to grant health providers on basic or standard nbn services with upgrades to eligible higher speed tiers at no additional charge. PACFA advises members who wish to upgrade their NBN to contact your Internet Service Provider directly to see if you are eligible for a free upgrade. 

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Australian Group of Eight -Universities

Australian Government – Head to Health 

Australian Government – Department of Health

Australian Government – National Mental Health Commission

Australian Government – NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission 

If you are a registered provider for the NDIS, it is essential at this time that you remain subscribed to the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission’s communications.

Provider Alerts & Communications – Coronavirus (COVID-19) –  These alerts contain important information for NDIS providers about Coronavirus.

State and Territory Governments

Counselling & Psychotherapy Resources 

BeyondBlue

Black Dog Institute

CDC – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

The University of Melbourne – Counselling & Psychological Services:

APS – Australian Psychological Society

Psychology Today

APA – American Psychological Association

Social Distancing & Events 

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)

Travel Advice

Department of Home Affairs – Information on Australian visas and travel restriction

Workplace and Business Continuity Resources

Australian Government – Department of Health – Information for Employers

Safework Australia – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Advice for PCBUs (persons conducting a business or undertaking)

 

 

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