Social media has much to offer nurses, midwives and carers during the COVID-19 pandemic. ANMF strongly advises members not to post on social media about what their employer is doing or not doing in relation to COVID-19. This applies equally to public pages and closed, private or secret groups. Instead contact the ANMF Member Assistance for information, guidance and representation.
Nurses, midwives and carers still need to follow your employer's social media policy, NMBA's social media guidelines and we strongly recommend ANMF's social media policy.
ANMF's national COVID-19 vaccination position
Nurses, midwives and aged care personal care workers work with vulnerable patients, clients and residents. Required immunisation is reasonable in these settings and part of a range of infection control measures.
ANMF supports required immunisation against COVID-19 for nurses, midwives and personal care workers, unless there is a medical exemption, to protect yourself, your colleagues, your family, your patients and the community.
For the same reasons, ANMF is advocating that there should also be a vaccination requirement of visitors to aged and healthcare services.
Read the Federal ANMF COVID-19 vaccination position statement
Managing COVID-19 risk: union guidelines for healthcare workers
This document contains our expectations around COVID-19 management, which may go beyond the the requirements provided by the Department of Health, and is to be used during periods of high community transmission. It is endorsed by ANMF (Vic Branch), Victorian Ambulance Union, Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (Victorian Branch), Health and Community Services Union, Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association, Medical Scientists Association of Victoria, Association of Hospital Pharmacists, Victorian Psychologists Association Inc
Read the Managing COVID-19 risk: union guidelines for healthcare workers
ANMF newsflashes and media releases
- 23 February 2023 COVID-19 aged care newsflash Still time for employer applications for the aged care RN-only retention bonus [PDF] or view online
- 12 December 2022 COVID-19 aged care newsflash RN-only retention bonus in private aged care - December 14 cut-off for employer applications [pdf] or view online
- 7 December 2022 COVID NEWSFLASH #76 Hospitals move to stage 3 as hospitalisation and furloughing increase [pdf] or view online
- 3 November 2022 Has your respirator mask been fit tested? (infographic poster)
- 12 October 2022 COVID newsflash #75 Pandemic Orders end 12 October 2022 [pdf] or view online
- 20 September 2022 COVID newsflash #74a (public sector) Move from Stage 3 to Stage 2 effective Monday 26 September 2022 [pdf] or view online
- 1 August 2022 COVID newsflash #74 Branch operations and aged care and public sector winter response [pdf] or view online
- 12 July 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #73 ATAGI's fouth vaccine advice, close contact rule changes and 'stay well in winter' community campaign to ease health system pressure [pdf] or view online
- 27 June 2022 COVID-19 public sector newsflash Winter retention and surge payment [pdf] or view online
Health Services - winter retention and surge payment program - meal and refreshment program guidance
- 10 June 2022 COVID-19 private acute newsflash State Government Winter Retention Payment or view online
- 9 June 2022 media release Winter bonus may help with vicious cycle of understaffing
- 30 March 2022 COVID-19 newsflash - Hospital surge support allowance ends, ATAGI's fourth dose advice and flu vaccination or view online
- 28 March 2022 private aged care newsflash - Register now: sick pay trial for casual personal care workers or view online
- 4 March 2022 ANMF and NMHPV wellbeing forums
- 4 March 2022 COVID-19 urgent update – aged care COVID vaccination update FAQ [pdf] or view online
- 4 March 2022 COVID-19 aged care update – aged care pandemic bonuses explained [pdf] or view online
- 11 February 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #71 Third vaccination booking required by Saturday 12 February; elective surgery limits to slowly ease and code brown to end [pdf] or view online
- 10 February 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #70 Nurses, midwives and carers required third vaccination deadline extended [pdf] or view online
- 2 February 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #69 COVID hospital surge support allowance extended and ANMF calls for elective surgery pause to continue [pdf] or view online
- 1 February 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #68a Public sector special paid leave FAQs (confirmed 31 January 2022) [pdf] or view online
- 28 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash Stage 4 metropolitan maternal and child health COVID 19 surge support for maternity and newborn services [pdf] or view online
- 28 January 2022 COVID-19 aged care newsflash members' frequently asked COVID questions [pdf] or view online
- 25 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #68 Heat and working in PPE [PDF] or view online
- 24 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #66a Ramsay Health, Medibank Private and Australian Defence Force members - test positive? COVID stressed? Make a Comcare claim or view online
- 19 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #67 Code Brown: what it means for members and the health system [PDF] or view online
- 19 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #66 Test positive? COVID-19 stressed? Make a workers compensation claim [PDF] or view online
- 19 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #65 It’s a race: nursing and midwifery students and retired nurses needed for third-dose vaccination workforce FAQs [PDF] or view online
- 15 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash Updated furloughing guidance and special paid leave FAQs [PDF] or view online
- 13 January 2022 COVID-19 aged care newsflash Fill in our vaccination survey so ANMF can advocate for you [PDF] or view online
- 10 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #64 (public sector) Furloughing guidance (including decision-making flow chart) PDF or view online
- 10 January 2022 COVID-19 newsflash #63 Third dose required for health and aged care workers, surge workforce models and surge allowance PDF or view online
- 30 December 2021 COVID-19 newsflash #62 Heat and working in PPE and vaccine dose interval changes again [PDF] or view online
- 23 December COVID-19 Newsflash #61 Mask mandate returns to protect health system and book your third COVID-19 vaccination dose [PDF] or view online
- 22 November 2021 COVID-19 aged care newsflash Single-site employment ending and vaccination booster [PDF] or view online
- 16 November 2021 COVID-19 aged care newsflash Morrison Government must clarify single-site confusion and ensure staff are paid for time spent on RAT and PPE donning and doffing [PDF]
- 26 October 2021:COVID-19 aged care newsflash - Single-site employment update [PDF] or view online
- 15 October 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Rapid antigen testing in aged care [PDF] or view online
- 12 October 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #60 ANMF secures COVID allowance for nurses and midwives [PDF] or view online
- 8 October 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #59 Statewide meeting for Job Reps and HSRs, ANMF COVID payment advocacy, ICU nurses' forums, maternity nurses forums [PDF] or view online
- Statewide meeting for Job Reps and HSRs - Thursday 14 October meeting notice
- 30 September 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #58 Vaccination directive issued - all healthcare settings [PDF] or view online
- 25 September 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #57 ANMF calls for protester calm and outstanding aged care vaccination rates [PDF] or view online
- 21 September 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Single-site restrictions will continue until lower rates of community transmission or view online
- 17 September 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #56 Transport and road closure advice and health unions call on Andrews Government to ensure the health system is not overwhelmed [PDF]
- 15 September 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #55 More mental health services and support for mental health workforce and priority vaccination for healthcare workers' household contacts [PDF] or view online
- 14 September 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Aged care vaccination rates increasing in lead up to 17 September deadline [PDF] or view online
- 10 September 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #54 ANMF strongly advocating for members as surge plans implemented [PDF] or view online
- 8 September 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash COVID-19 vaccination directive issued - all residential aged care facilities [PDF] or read online
- 4 September 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #53 Watch out for your colleagues; aged care required vaccination webinar; ANMF calls for more modelling and analysis before re-opening; furloughing guidance [PDF] or view online
- 3 September 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Single-site restrictions extended to until 23 September 2021 [PDF] or view online
- 25 August 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #52 Vaccine webinars for nurses, midwives and personal care workers; all Victorian health services move to COVID PEAK highest risk rating [PDF] or view online
- 23 August 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #51 Vaccination blitz for aged care nurses and personal care workers and stay informed about vaccines [PDF] or view online
- 23 August 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash – Private and NFP aged care – Aged care single-site restrictions extended to all Victorian residential aged care facilities [PDF] or view online
- 19 August 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #50 Restrictions tightened and extended; ANMF welcomes increasing aged care nurses and carer vaccination rate [PDF] or view online
- 6 August 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Urgent update - Aged care single-site restrictions extended for Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliff and Surf Coast Shire AND extended into Golden Plains Shire or view online
- 6 August 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #49 Health service risk ratings and vaccines webinar for healthcare workers or view online
- 30 July 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #48 Pfizer vaccine dose interval extended, COVID-19 vaccine advice for pregnant women and Deakin wellbeing survey [PDF] or view online
- 30 July 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Important update - single-site employment extended Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliff and Surf Coast Shire [PDF] or view online
- 29 July 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Mandatory vaccination update [PDF] or view online
- 29 July 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Single-site employment ending in private aged care [PDF] or view online Information has changed - see 30 July update
- 21 July 2021: COVID-19 newsflash Mildura public sector members frequently asked questions
- 20 July 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Aged care single-site restrictions extended to Bass Coast Shire and Rural City of Mildura
- 16 July 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Restrictions on working at more than one aged care site in Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliff, and Surf Coast Shire
- 16 July 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #47 All Victorian metro, regional and rural healthcare services move to COVID ACTIVE (red) or view online
- 15 July 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #46 All nurses, midwives and aged care personal care workers now have priority access to Pfizer vaccine at Victorian Government hubs or view online
- 6 July 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Single-site employment ends in private and not-for-profit aged care on 8 July and extended to 30 September in public aged care
- 30 June 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #45 ANMF seeking clarification on confusing aged care mandatory vaccination announcement [PDF] or view online
- 28 June 2021: COVID-19 student newsflash 6: Taking action to support clinical placements [PDF] or view online
- 18 June 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Single-site employment in Greater Melbourne extended to 8 July 2021 [PDF] or view online
- 8 June 2021: COVID-19 student newsflash 5: Changes to student clinical placements [PDF] or view online
- 8 June 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Single-site employment in Greater Melbourne extended to June 24 [PDF] or view online
- 4 June 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #44 Private aged care nurses and carers strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, National Cabinet still considering mandatory vaccination [PDF] or view online
- 2 June 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #43 Restrictions extended and amended or view online
- 2 June 2021 media release Come clean: Morrison Government plan to vaccinate the private aged care workforce seems never on their radar [PDF] or view online
- 1 June 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Vaccination blitz [PDF] or view online
- 30 May 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Outbreak in private aged care facility highlights the urgent need for testing and vaccine access [PDF] or view online
- 30 May 2021 media release Victorian nurses and carers shunned: Scott Morrison fails to protect private aged care [PDF] or view online
- 28 May 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash Urgent update: restrictions on working at more than one aged care site in Greater Melbourne [PDF] or view online
- 27 May 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #42 All Victorian metro, regional and rural healthcare services move to COVID ACTIVE (red) alert [PDF] or view online
- 26 May 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #41 Community transmission - a timely prompt to vaccinate [PDF] or view online
- 25 May 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #40 Metropolitan Melbourne health services move to amber alert following community transmission cases [PDF] or view online
- 6 May 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #39 Vaccination rollout update [PDF] or view online
- 28 April 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #38 Vaccination rollout update [PDF] or view online
- 12 April 2021 media release Morrison Government fails nurses [PDF] or view online
- 25 March 2021: COVID newsflash #37 Vaccination information update [PDF] or view online
COVID-19 vaccination education payment query template letter [Word doc]
- 19 March 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #36 Regulator reminds nurses and midwives of their registration obligations; information about the vaccine rollout and vaccine information and resources; private residential aged care vaccine rollout [PDF] or view online
- 26 February 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #35 Return to COVID-safe summer restrictions, PPE guidance updated and vaccine survey
- 18 February 2021 (updated 26 February): COVID-19 newsflash #34 COVID-19 vaccination workforce FAQ [PDF] or view online
- 17 February 2021: COVID-19 aged care newsflash: Single site employment in private and not for profit aged care update [PDF] or view online
- 16 February 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #33 COVID-19 vaccination workforce [PDF] or view online
- 13 February 2021: COVID-19 student newsflash 4: Student clinical placements will resume Sunday 14 February [PDF] or view online
- 13 February 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #32 COVID-19 ‘Circuit-breaker’ action restrictions [PDF] or view online
- 10 February 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #31 Important COVID-19 vaccination information [PDF] or view online (NB: released 4 February and revised 10 February)
- 9 February 2021: Covid-19 newsflash: single site employment update – public sector extension to 30 June 2021 [PDF] or view online
- 20 January 2021: COVID-19 newsflash #30 Heat and working in PPE [PDF] or view online
- 18 January 2021: Private aged care COVID-19 newsflash Single site employment update – Brighton, Doveton, Glen Waverley, McKinnon, Mordialloc and Moorabbin [PDF] or view online
- 11 January 2021: Private aged care COVID-19 newsflash Re-introduction of single site employment in specific suburbs [PDF] or view online
- 31 December 2020: COVID-19 newsflash #29 Victorian health and aged care services are well prepared for new community transmission infections
- 26 December 2020: A letter from the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to aged care workers
- 26 December 2020: A letter from the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to healthcare workers
- 23 December 2020: COVID-19 newsflash #28 - Greater Sydney and NSW Central Coast declared a red zone; updated PPE and infection control guidance; fit testing underway; third aged care workforce retention payment; insurance for students on clinical placement [PDF] or view online
- 13 November 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Funding for single site employment will cease 30 November [PDF] or view online
- 13 November 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - New aged care infection control lead role [PDF] or view online
- 10 November 2020: COVID-19 newsflash #27 - Infection control guidelines revised [PDF] or view online
- 9 November 2020: Private aged care COVID-19 Newsflash - Single site employment update [PDF] or view online
- 22 October 2020: COVID-19 newsflash #26 - DHHS updates PPE guidance, skincare advice to prevent and manage mask and eyewear facial injuries
- EVENT - 25 and 27 November 2020 Promoting your health and wellbeing during COVID-19 webinars
- 14 October 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Private aged care COVID-19 Newsflash single site employment extended to 30 Nov [PDF] or view online
- Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria 'I'm only human' campaign - take the self-care quiz and find out how this free, confidential service can support you
- 13 October 2020: COVID-19 newsflash #25 - New patient and resident hygiene guidelines; take the NMHPV self-care quiz; best practice approaches for safe staff amenities for health services; asymptomatic testing for aged care workers [PDF] or view online
- 9 October 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Victorian public sector aged care and Commonwealth private sector aged care - single site employment update [PDF] or view online
- 28 September 2020: COVID-19 newsflash #24 - New Health Minister and healthcare worker infection prevention update [PDF] or view online
- 25 September 2020: COVID-19 student newsflash #3 - AHPRA registration and clinical placement WorkCover claims [PDF] or view online
- 9 September 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - New healthcare worker data dashboard; healthcare workers must feel free to speak up about reducing risk; ignore misleading WorkCover advice; ANMF supports cautious re-opening plan [PDF] or view online
- 8 September 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire - Single site employment update – extended to 26 October 2020 [PDF] or view online
- 7 September 2020: media release - ANMF supports cautious and steady re-opening to protect healthcare workforce [pdf] or view online
- 2 September 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - CityLink toll credit for frontline workers; be part of the nursing and midwifery exhibition; fast-tracked WorkCover claims extends to personal care workers; state of emergency extension bill passes Upper House; how to raise an issue with your aged care retention bonus payment [PDF] or view online
- 27 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Healthcare worker COVID-19 infection data; measures to prevent further transmission; WorkCover claims expedited; ANMF masks for members; and nurses and midwives urged to provide NMBA feedback on recency of practice changes [PDF] or view online
- 27 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash Final year clinical placements will be prioritised; ANMF seeks clarification on WorkCover claim entitlements for students on clinical placement [PDF] or view online
- 26 August 2020 media release Data shows protecting healthcare workers is more complex than PPE supply [PDF]
DHHS data document Protecting our healthcare heroes
- 26 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Private aged care single site employment update PDF or view online
Case studies: for private aged care employees and providers [PDF] or view online
- 25 August 2020: media release ANMF calls on Opposition and crossbenchers to back state of emergency law [PDF] or view online. Also view VUA media release 25 August 2020: Victorian Ambulance Union supports extending state of emergency provision.
- 24 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash ANMF advocates for uncontested WorkCover claims and calls for further healthcare worker protection measures; maternity services water immersion advice updated; MCH nurse plan to respond to midwifery workforce shortages [PDF]
ANMF seeks presumptive rights - letter to Attorney-General and Minister for Workplace Safety Jill Hennessy
- 23 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash Important information for nursing and midwifery student members [PDF] or online view
- 18 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash MCH uplift action plan to respond to midwifery workforce shortages [PDF] or view online
- 17 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash COVID workforce survey; increase to test isolation payment; PPE; Workcover [PDF]
- 12 August 2020: media release - National survey: assessing the impact of COVID-19 on nurses, midwives and carers [PDF] or view online
- 10 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash All health and aged care services must follow new PPE guidelines - seek ANMF support and advice if you have a PPE concern; more support for nurses, midwives and carers [PDF] or view online
- 9 August 2020: media release - Further support for nurses, midwives and carers is a phone call away [PDF] or view online
- 5 August 2020: A message from the Victorian Premier and Health Minister to nurses, midwives and carers
- 4 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash ANMF welcomes new restrictions designed to ease pressure on hospitals and aged care [PDF] or view online
- 3 August 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - URGENT UPDATE aged care employment matters [PDF] or view online
- 28 July 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - URGENT UPDATE Paid pandemic leave [PDF] view online
- 27 July 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - URGENT UPDATE Restrictions on working at more than one aged care site [PDF]
- 23 July 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - $300 workers support payment while isolating and waiting for test results; support for nurses, midwives and carers; and surge preparations [PDF] or view online
- 22 July 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Restrictions on working at more than one aged care site frequently asked questions [PDF] or view online
- 20 July 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Further aged care COVID-19 announcements [PDF] or view online
- 16 July 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - ANMF seeking special leave for aged care nurses and carers; Federal Government directs all aged care workers to wear masks; ANMF raises roadblock delay issues [PDF] or view online
- 15 July 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Victorian private and not-for-profit aged care sector [PDF] or view online
- 14 July 2020: media release ANMF has urgent pandemic aged care to do list for the Federal Government
- 9 July 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - PPE advice revised as stage 3 restrictions re-introduced in metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire [PDF] or view online
- 25 June 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - private-for-profit, not-for-profit and public sector aged care members - Ask your employer to confirm your aged care retention bonus application
- 19 June 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Aged care members should ask their employer to confirm retention bonus application; elective surgery guidance; PPE resource for mental health services; extra funding for nurses’ and midwives’ wellbeing; ANMF Education Centre Zoom seminars
Eligible aged care members should use this aged care retention bonus template letter to ask their employer to confirm they have applied for the payment on their behalf. See COVID-19 newsflash above for details.
- 12 June 2020: How to access the aged care retention payment; MCH face-to-face appointments resume; finance and super webinars; ANMF Education Centre Zoom seminars [PDF] or view online
- 29 May 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - DHHS closes surge workforce register; mental health royal commission given extension; wellbeing grants for mental health and AOD nurses; new PPE guidance; ANMF Education Centre June Zoom seminars [PDF] or view online
- 22 May 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - COVID-19 memorial roll, bank nurses and midwives, membership fee freeze, and visiting aged care [PDF] or view online
- 12 May 2020: COVID-19 newsflash - Watch our COVID-19 Nurses Vigil, restrictions, casual aged care nurses and carers retention payment [PDF] or view online
- 1 May: COVID-19 newsflash - Vigil to honour overseas nurses, all nurses, midwives and carers encouraged to get tested for COVID-19, large PPE deliveries expected and the COVIDsafe app [PDF] or view online
- 23 April: COVID-19 newsflash - Bank staff to receive back pay for lost average weekly hours, its now easier for employers to vary your EBA, surge workforce plannings means Victoria is unlikely to need temporary ratio law change [PDF] or view online
- 21 April: COVID-19 newsflash - Important flu vaccination information for members working in aged care [PDF] or online view
- 16 April: COVID-19 newsflash - Testing expanded, no single-use PPE should be re-used or saved, nursing student employment model, immunisation service and HITH guidance and more mental health funding [PDF] or online view
- 8 April: COVID-19 newsflash - ANMF Easter opening hours, free hotel accommodation, aged care worker retention payments, registration renewal CPD requirements relaxed and new clinical assessment online modules for members [PDF] or online view
- 5 April: media release Health worker alternative accommodation initiative welcomed [PDF] or online view and Victorian Government media release
- 2 April: COVID-19 newsflash - COVID-19 surge workforce strategies, a social media reminder and a guide to help you stay safe [PDF]
- 27 March: COVID-19 newsflash - advice for pregnant members, elective surgery wind back and COVID-19 social media advice [PDF]
- 24 March: Message from Lisa Fitzpatrick, ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary
- 23 March: Primary and secondary school nursing programs: guidance procedures for working with COVID-19 [PDF]
- 20 March: COVID-19 changes to ANMF (Vic Branch) operations [PDF]
- 13 March: COVID-19 employment-related matters [PDF]
If you do not receive these ANMF (Vic Branch) newsflashes via email please re-subscribe to our communications so you get the latest information and advice.
Employment law and COVID-19 information
ANMF lawyers Gordon Legal have published COVID-19 employment advice on their website. Please note ANMF members do not need to pay the fee mentioned at the bottom of their FAQs. ANMF members, have access to legal advice, if required, via their membership fees. If you have a COVID-19 employment issue contact ANMF via Member Assistance in the first instance.
Federal ANMF information
Federal ANMF has published evidence briefs, guidelines, fact sheets and more
Occupational health and safety
Download the Fit Testing Infographic [PDF] for your workplace noticeboard
In response to members queries we have developed this guide to assist you in relation to returning home from work after a shift. The key is to always wash your hands and the items you use (like keys, lanyard, etc).
You can download Protocols for entering your home and minimising the risk of infection A4 PDF poster for your workplace.
COVID-19 Nurses Vigil
