Coronavirus COVID-19
During this time of uncertainty and rapid change, PAA efforts are focused on bringing you accurate, up to date information and resources as they become available. If you have any concerns or information to share, please email the PAA directly info@pilates.org.au.
Help us use our time effectively to keep you informed.
Preparing for Easing of Restrictions and Return to Work
Australia’s federal, state and territory governments are gradually easing restrictions around public gatherings, how businesses can operate, and regional travel. The pages linked below summarise our understanding of current government responses and do not replace the government’s formally issued advice.
When considering which restrictions are applicable to you, note that local State/Territory regulations take precedence over Commonwealth instructions.
**Please note that the Australian government responses to Covid-19 are changing regularly and remain the authoritative source for what is and isn’t permitted.
State & Territory Specific information
- ACT
- New South Wales – updated 04 January 2021
- Queensland – updated 21 January 2021
- Northern Territory
- South Australia
- Victoria – updated 17 February 2021
- Western Australia – updated 08 February 2021
- Tasmania
The following information may also help you prepare for the easing of workplace restrictions:
PAA/APMA Proposed Return to Work plan
NCCC COVID-19 business checklist
Assessing COVID-19 risk in the workplace
Hygiene and cleaning advice and information
COVID-19 Information, Help & Support
COVID-19 Health Updates
Australian Government – Essential information, latest announcements
Australian Government Department of Health website – For the latest information about COVID-19 in Australia.
The World Health Organisation – Provides daily updates, information and guidance about the global outbreak.
Australian Government – Support for Business – including Companies, Sole Traders and Employers (JobKeepers Allowance, JobSeekers Allowance, etc.)
Australian Tax Office – COVID-19 frequently asked questions (finance & ATO related)
Treasury – Economic Response to the Coronavirus
Fairwork Australia – Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Business.gov.au – Coronavirus information and support for businesses
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission – Understanding Small Business rights and obligations under Australian Consumer Law during COVID-19.
KPMG – A list of government grants available to assist private, mid-market and family businesses affected by the impacts of COVID-19 (document at bottom of their webpage).
MHFA SUPPORT RESOURCES A list of financial and other supports at Federal and State levels for sole traders and/or small businesses (created April 2020).
Online forums
- Beyond Blue have established a dedicated COVID-19 online forum for people to share their concerns and connect online to support one another.
- ReachOut have online youth forums and online parents forums for COVID-19 offering peer support in safe and established online communities.
- SANE have an active online forum focused on unpacking fact from fiction about COVID-19 and providing self-care strategies.
Resources for teaching online
Many studios and teachers are beginning to set up online sessions and classes for their clients, as social distancing and government restrictions impact business. This may be a steep learning curve for some teachers so the page linked below has useful resources to help you set up.
Resources for Teaching Classes Online
Member Support Plan - 9 April 2020
The recent shutdowns dramatically affected all PAA members. To help ease the burden for members the PAA implemented the following:
- an automatic 3 month extension of all personal memberships and PDP expiry dates (incremental rollout).
- the membership requirement to hold a current First Aid certificate is suspended for renewals until it is once again possible to complete First Aid training.
- BMS have agreed to extend the renewal date by 3 months for no additional premium, for all members renewing their insurance in the next 12 months.
the limit for claiming online PDPs has been removed until further notice, allowing members to accumulate additional points from online workshops. - workshop organisers are advised that approved face to face workshops can be offered in an online format – the same number of PDPs will be awarded, provided content and length are the same.
It is impossible to predict where we will all be in a few months time. The Member Support Plan will be reviewed as new developments occur with the objective of helping members manage through COVID-19 to recovery.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspect of your ongoing membership: info@pilates.org.au
Previous Announcements
Stage 1 closures - Pilates Studios
Direct advice from the office of Federal Sports Minister, Hon. Richard Colbeck, informs that Pilates is considered an Indoor Sports Activity, i.e. “any activity bringing people together to exercise. This also includes yoga, dance and meditation”.
Also received early this evening from the NSW Sports Ministers Office is a link to the legislation regarding the closure of indoor recreation facilities. Within this, the Order specifically defines a ‘Health Studio’ as a type of indoor sport and recreation facility. Therefore, Pilates studios are included in the closures.
https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-54.pdf
Information on Stage 1 Restrictions – information from your state or territory about restrictions on non-essential services.
Sun 22nd March 2020 – Business restrictions announced
The Australian Government has announced the following facilities will be restricted from opening from midday local time 23 March 2020:
- Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
- Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
- Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies).