COVIDSafe Policy & Information
We are open for all podiatry services
Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics remains open for all podiatry services with a COVIDSafe plan.
Please see below for our COVIDSafe policy and the frequently asked questions for more detailed information.
COVIDSafe Policy
Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics wish to provide a safe environment for our patients and staff. As COVID-19 is still present in the community, the following policies still apply for all patients:
1. If you are experiencing a fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms and feel physically unwell, we ask that your refrain from making an appointment. You should stay at home until symptoms subside and consider testing for COVID-19. If your symptoms are mild and you feel physically well then you may still visit us provided you havent tested postive to COVID and wear a mask as a precaution. Please visit the Coronavirus website for more information about COVID-19.
2. If you have recently tested positive to COVID you cannot attend MPAO for at least 5 days. It is recommended that you should isolate for at least 5 days and until you don’t have symptoms anymore. A negative RAT result is a helpful tool to determine whether you are still infectious. Please also follow Victoria’s checklist for COVID cases.
3. If you are a close COVID contact then you should monitor for symptoms. You may still visit us provided you have no symptoms and wear a mask as a precaution. If you have symptoms then please test for COVID-19 and refer to policy 1. Social contacts can still visit us provided they have no symptoms. Please also follow Victoria’s checklist for COVID contacts.
4. If you are currently undergoing PCR testing for COVID we ask that you do not attend MPAO until you get results. Please also see information on testing.
5. If you have recently travelled from overseas we ask that as a precaution, you do not attend MPAO for 3 days. You may attend after 3 days provided you have no symptoms. If you need to visit within 3 days, then you can provided you have no symptoms and wear a mask as a precaution. If you have symptoms please refer to policy 1. Please also see Victoria’s information for travellers.
Face mask policy – face masks are optional
The wearing of fitted face masks is now optional for all patients and visitors to our clinic. Whilst we strongly advise vulnerable patients to continue to wear a face mask for the best protection against COVID-19, it is no longer a strict entry requirement. Whilst face masks are now optional for all our staff, our podiatrists will wear a face mask in situations where the patient has chosen to wear one, and this will still help protect vulnerable patients.
Please see the video below for helpful tips on how to wear a face mask.
How to wear a face mask
Frequently asked questions?
Is Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics open?
Yes. Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics is operating as normal and open for all podiatry services with a COVIDSafe plan.
Do I need a GP referral?
You do not require a GP referral to access podiatry services.
Can I accompany someone to their podiatry appointment?
Yes, our waiting room is back to normal capacity.
Are clinic hours affected?
No. With the easing of restrictions we have resumed normal operating hours. Please see the following page for our current clinic hours.
I am unvaccinated can I still visit Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics?
Yes. We do not discriminate against patients who are unvaccinated. You can still visit us provided you meet all of the terms in our COVIDSafe policy.
Why are fitted face masks now optional for patients and visitors?
There is no mandate to continue to wear face masks in allied health clinics. As we transition out of the pandemic we have decided to transition away from compulsory mask wearing for patients and visitors, which is reflective of the what is happening in the broader community. Whilst we strongly advise vulnerable patients to continue to wear a face mask for the best protection against COVID-19, it is now a personal choice.
Are staff still wearing face masks?
Face masks are now also optional for our reception staff and podiatrists. However, our podiatrists will wear a face mask in situations where the patient has chosen to wear one, and this will still help protect vulnerable patients.
What if I can’t leave home and visit the clinic?
Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics are now offering telehealth – podiatry via the convenience of an online video consultation. This means you can now receive expert treatment advice from our team of podiatrists from the comfort of your own home or work place – perfect if you can’t get to us during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics doing to help stop the spread of the virus?
Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics are proactive in helping to stop the spread of the coronavirus at its Camberwell clinic. This includes:
Fully Vaccinated Staff
All podiatrists, receptionists and administration staff at Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics are fully vaccinated (minimum two doses) against COVID-19.
Cleaning & Disinfection
Regular cleaning and disinfection of all patient surfaces and common surfaces such as patient chairs, bench tops, door handles and treadmill.
Hand Sanitisation
All patients are advised to use the hand sanitiser available on immediate entry to the clinic. All staff are washing their hands frequently, including on immediate entry and between every patient or contact.
Air Purifier
We have an air purifier with a HEPA filter located in our waiting area to help improve air quality and filter small particles including airborne viruses.
Ventilation
You will notice that upon entering the clinic the front door will be left open to help aid ventilation. Consultation room doors when requested can also be left open.
Masks & PPE
Whilst face masks are now optional for staff, our podiatrists will wear a face mask in situations where the patient has chosen to wear one, and this will still help protect vulnerable patients.
COVIDSafe Plan
In line with Government requirements Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics has a regularly updated COVIDSafe Plan in place to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 and better protect both patients and staff.