COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS) Information
We are open and offering appointments during the Coronavirus outbreak but, as a precautionary measure, to keep our clients and staff safe we ask that you please do not attend an appointment or the Practice if you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms. Please call us to discuss. We may be able to offer you an appointment over video-conferencing or phone (see below).
Note that the Australian Government has advised that all people who arrive in Australia from midnight 15 March 2020, or think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
For the latest advice, information and resources, go to Department of Health website (www.health.gov.au).
If you have a fever or acute respiratory illness seek advice by calling your GP.
Note that the Australian Government has advised that all people who arrive in Australia from midnight 15 March 2020, or think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
For the latest advice, information and resources, go to Department of Health website (www.health.gov.au).
If you have a fever or acute respiratory illness seek advice by calling your GP.
Medicare item numbers have been released to allow us to provide either telehealth (videoconferencing) or telephone services to clients who are considered vulnerable based on the following criteria:
If you are unwell your practitioner may be able to provide telehealth services. Please contact us to discuss.
Maintaining good mental health during this period
The Australian Psychological Society has publishing a guide to maintaining mental health during periods of isolation. It is available here.
A good resource, in multiple languages, for discussing COVID-19 with children has been prepared by Manuela Molina. It’s available here.
Download a helpful explanation on social-distancing for children here.
Also, the Khan Academy website have some excellent educational resources for both kids and adults.
Ballarat Psychological Service will continue to try to provide service to our clients and the wider community as much as possible. We thank you for your understanding at this difficult and uncertain time.
- the person has been diagnosed with COVID-19 virus but who is not a patient of a hospital; or
- the person has been required to isolate themselves in quarantine in accordance with home isolation guidance issued by Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC); or
- the person is considered more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus being a person who is:
- at least 70 years old; or
- at least 50 years old and is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; or
- is pregnant; or
- is a parent of a child under 12 months; or
- is already under treatment for chronic health conditions or is immune compromised; or
- the person meets the current national triage protocol criteria for suspected COVID-19 infection.
If you are unwell your practitioner may be able to provide telehealth services. Please contact us to discuss.
Maintaining good mental health during this period
The Australian Psychological Society has publishing a guide to maintaining mental health during periods of isolation. It is available here.
A good resource, in multiple languages, for discussing COVID-19 with children has been prepared by Manuela Molina. It’s available here.
Download a helpful explanation on social-distancing for children here.
Also, the Khan Academy website have some excellent educational resources for both kids and adults.
Ballarat Psychological Service will continue to try to provide service to our clients and the wider community as much as possible. We thank you for your understanding at this difficult and uncertain time.