COVID-19 self-isolation rules have changed

From 14 October 2022 you don’t need to self-isolate if you test positive to COVID-19, but it is recommended you stay home and take steps to protect others.

If you test positive on a rapid antigen test (RAT) please register this with Service NSW. Voluntarily registering your result can help you access medical support from NSW Health, including antiviral medicines if you are eligible. It also assists NSW Health respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about the changes and what you need to know if you:

• test positive to COVID-19
• were exposed to someone with COVID-19
• have flu or cold symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever).

Some restrictions will continue to apply for high-risk settings such as health, disability and aged care.

Please note that wearing a mask is no longer a condition of entry to my practice. Of course, you may still choose to wear a mask, and if you’d prefer I wear one, I am happy to do so.

In accordance with the latest NSW Health Department guidelines (from 22/4/22), if you have been exposed to COVID-19 (for example, if someone in your household or workplace has tested positive), but you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, you no longer have to self-isolate for seven days.

You must still follow the Household and Close Contact Guidelines, unless you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last twelve weeks.

If you have been exposed, I would appreciate it if you would contact me to discuss, before attending an appointment. You can cancel or reschedule an appointment at my practice by visiting my booking page, or by clicking on the link in your appointment confirmation text/email.

While I understand this may arise at short notice, I would appreciate it if you could let me know as soon as is practical of any changes or cancellations.

Please note that wearing a mask is no longer a condition of entry to my practice. Of course, you may still choose to wear a mask, and if you’d prefer I wear one, I am happy to do so.

To accord with current NSW Health Department guidelines, if you have been exposed to COVID (for example, if someone in your household or workplace has tested positive), you have to self-isolate for seven days.

If you have been exposed, please do not attend an appointment until after this isolation period. You can cancel or reschedule an appointment at my practice by visiting my booking page, or by clicking on the link in your appointment confirmation text/email.

While I understand this may arise at short notice, I would appreciate it if you could let me know as soon as is practical of any changes or cancellations.

Thank you.

As of 12:01 AM today, 24 December 2021, the NSW Government has changed the rules around wearing face masks. It is now again mandatory to wear a mask in all indoor business settings. Please note that wearing a mask is a condition of entry to my practice.

As of 15 December 2021, the NSW Government rules and restrictions have changed. In line with these changes, it is no longer mandatory to use QR code checkin when you attend my practice. It also no longer mandatory to wear a mask in most situations, though they are still strongly encouraged by NSW Health.

However, in light of the current outbreak of locally acquired cases, wearing a mask is still currently a condition of entry to my practice. I will also still require you to sanitise or wash your hands on arrival.

I am taking these measures to protect the wellbeing and safety of all my clients. Thank you for your understanding.

As I understand it, there is no requirement to be fully vaccinated to attend a medical appointment. Therefore, while compliance with Public Health Orders is your responsibility, I will not require proof of double vaccination to attend an appointment at my practice.

QR code checkin, wearing a mask and hand sanitizing continue to be conditions of entry to my practice.

A seven day lockdown comes into effect for the Byron Shire from 5.00 pm today, 21/9.

Under the description of ‘Authorised Workers‘, Registered Health Care Professionals in NSW are able to continue to treat patients requiring essential care.

The definition of ‘essential care’ is not entirely clear, but AACMA suggests as a guide “if in the absence of care, the patient’s condition could deteriorate to the point of requiring hospitalisation or suffering long term health effects”.

My practice is therefore currently open.

QR code checkin, wearing a mask and hand sanitizing continue to be conditions of entry to my practice.

As you would know, the entire state of NSW went into lockdown yesterday at 5pm.  You can find more information on this here.

It is my understanding that under the description of Authorised Workers, registered health care professionals in NSW are able to continue to treat patients requiring essential care.

The definition of essential care is hard to find, but AACMA suggests as a guide “if in the absence of care, the patient’s condition could deteriorate to the point of requiring hospitalisation or suffering long term health effects”.

I am, therefore, re-opening my practice from tomorrow, 17 August. Please be aware that QR code checkin, wearing a mask and hand sanitising (or hand washing) are conditions of entry to my practice.

NSW Health has today announced new restrictions for four LGA’s in Northern NSW, including the Byron Shire, coming into effect from 6:00 pm today, Monday 9 August.

In compliance with this stay-at-home order, my practice will be closed until Tuesday, 17 August.

I will, of course, keep abreast of developments and any further conditions introduced by NSW Health, and I will post here, advising of when I am re-opening my practice.