Covid-19 Recommendations for Yoga Teachers and Studios

 

A kind reminder that all IYTA Members must follow the principles listed in the IYTA Code of Ethics

  

IYTA (International Yoga Teachers Association) is open for business. We are running our yoga teacher training courses, events and workshops via zoom and face-to-face as possible.

 

Keep updated with important information relevant to your state and country via the website links provided below

 

When teaching we highly recommend that all students bring their own props and mats to class.

Please remember to take this opportunity to utilise the highly valued tools of yoga. Bring out those grounding practices of asana, breath awareness, relaxations and meditations. We will come out the other side better students and teachers. We are all in this together, and we are committed to support you. We will continue to provide updates and information as it affects our community.

 

Government sources listed below:

International Resources:

Resources within Australia:

Australian Signage: https://www.australia.gov.au/covidsafe-resources
Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/covid19/

ACT

NSW

QLD

SA

TAS

VIC

WA

  

Update 27 January 2022:

An update for NSW yoga teachers, the current NSW government requirements are:

  • Anyone can participate in sport, exercise, and outdoor gatherings.
  • Customers are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
  • Customers and staff must follow the face mask rules.
  • Businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan. Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help businesses keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
  • Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can operate with no person or capacity limits in place, including for group fitness classes.
  • COVID-19 Safe Check-in is still required at gyms using the Service NSW app, but this does not apply to dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics or martial arts studios. If you wish to attend a dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics, martial arts studio or swimming pool that is located inside a gym, you must check in when you enter the gym.

Masks requirements:

All people over the age of 12 must wear a face mask:

  • in indoor areas (e.g. while shopping, when at a library)
  • in indoor areas of common property of apartment buildings
    at a public transport waiting area
  • while on public transport (including in taxis and rideshare services)
  • if you are working at a hospitality venue and dealing directly with members of the public
  • on an aircraft when the aircraft is flying above NSW and in the airport.
  • all staff K to 12 must wear medical grade masks. Medical grade masks will be supplied to all schools.

Vaccination Evidence:

Most premises in NSW are now open to everyone, regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not. You no longer need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated at most premises in NSW. However, you still need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated if you:

  • attend an indoor music festival with more than 1000 people
  • work in certain industries.

Follow the vaccination requirements for workers. Check what you need as vaccination evidence.

Venues may set their own COVID Safe conditions of entry
In addition to PHO requirements, some premises may choose to require people to be fully vaccinated or to wear a mask as a condition of entry. It is a matter for the occupier of each premises to exercise judgement on what is appropriate for their premises and the well-being of their staff and customers.

If you want to enter premises where an occupier has chosen to require you to be fully vaccinated, the occupier may ask to see your vaccination evidence. You do not have to show the occupier your vaccination evidence, but if you do not, the occupier may not let you in.

For more information on NSW please go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/business/nsw-rules

For information on other states and territories please refer to the links above.

 

  

Update 4 October 2021:

An update for NSW teachers, the current NSW government requirements to open a yoga class in an indoor setting from 11th October are:

  • People must check in using the QR Code
  • Classes only open to fully vaccinated students and teachers
  • If a medical certificate states a person is exempt from vaccination then IYTA is recommending they provide a negative COVID result in the past 72 hours before attending class
  • Space allocation of 4m2 per person with maximum of 20 students indoors.
  • Wear a mask indoors for light exercise. If a mask impedes the delivery of instructions for the teacher they may remove their mask.

 

  

Update 15 September 2021:

Restrictions are constantly changing across Australia and the requirements differ from state to state and differ between regions within some states. We provide summaries below. You will find each state has their own COVID pages and it is good to be familiar with where to look for information when it becomes available. You can find out more via the important websites link in the column to the right of this page.

Before you re-open after a lockdown, please make sure you have checked the current regulations as they apply to your state. Many states require safety plans and many have their own QR Apps ( and some of these are mandatory).

The key information to check includes:

  • Density (e.g. 1 per 2 sqm or 1 per 4 sqm)
  • Caps on classes and/or venue capacity
  • Distance/spacing – e.g. 1.5 metres between people
  • Mask requirements
  • Covid Marshall requirements
  • Covid Safe plan requirements and
  • QR code apps
  • Any restrictions on singing/chanting
  • Any support packages made available by your state or by the Federal Government.
  • Please follow the advice provided for your state or region.

Government websites are sometimes not updated at the time of the announcements, but will usually be updated within the first 12 hours , so check back regularly. You will also find detailed information and guidance through the Federal Department of Health and the Safe Work Australia industry specific information for Gyms and Fitness Centres.

 

  

Update 10 August 2021:

In NSW IYTA members must err on the side of caution and follow mandatory guidelines for wearing masks. When searching for the advice given by nsw.gov.au, yoga and pilates studios are usually grouped together under ‘gym and dance class’.

For restrictions in regional NSW, as a business you and your employees and clients must wear a mask. However, for medical or other reasons a person may be exempt – in this case that person must carry an exemption. You are allowed to remove your mask when doing strenuous exercise, except when you are in a gym class or a dance class, and so participants in your class must wear a mask.

Also noted for regional NSW – a 20-person limit applies to classes or activities at a gym. Dance classes, or any other activities such as a yoga class, also have a limit of 20 people. If you are participating in a dance class or gym class, or you must wear a face mask. See the advice on sport and recreation.

Please read more on the following pages:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/changes/face-mask-rules

 

  

Update 24 June 2021:

Here we go again! Please check with your local State Governments on changing lockdown requirements. COVID-19 is not going to be disappearing any time soon.

Reminder to NSW members

Great Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour now have new restrictions in place from 4pm 23rd June. Indoor and outdoor classes must have 4m2 per person and wear a mask, including teachers.

To complete your Covid-19 Safety Plan – please follow this link

How to complete the COVID-19 Safety Plan

Record the action/s you will put in place under all the Safety Plan sections:

  • wellbeing of staff and customers
  • physical distancing
  • hygiene and cleaning
  • record keeping.

Each requirement must be addressed in each section. If a requirement does not apply to your premises, briefly describe why.

Once you complete the COVID-19 Safety Plan, a confirmation email will be sent to you with a copy of your plan attached as a PDF. To complete the COVID-19 Safety Plan offline, print a blank copy of the form using the print button.

Remember to keep a copy of your COVID-19 Safety Plan on your premises at all times.

 

  

Update 17 February 2020:

With the imminent role-out of a vaccine and increased responsibilities for business owners to be Covid-Safe one of our members asked:

Am I covered if a student claims negligence to myself or my staff if they catch Covid-19?

AJGallagher were very informative and helpful in their response. Due to the government adding “Human coronavirus with pandemic potential” as a Listed Human Disease under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) on 21 January 2020, insurance policies will not respond to Covid-19 outbreaks. This legislation essentially removed insurance cover from the market effective immediately as all clauses for notifiable disease exclude listed human disease under the Biosecurity Act.

This link may be beneficial as a resource for you and your team: https://blog.ajg.com.au/business-risks-and-insurance-in-the-face-of-coronavirus , it provides an overview that contains general information on insurance coverages, planning for contingencies and communicating with your employees, including:

  • corporate travel insurance
  • workers’ compensation
  • public liability insurance
  • management liability and directors’ and officers’ insurance
  • business interruption insurance

Please contact AJ Gallagher or your insurer for more information and if you have further questions.

  

Update 22 December 2020:

Within Australia NSW is on the verge of lockdown, with Greater Sydney area declared a red-zone. Family time and getting together over Christmas and the New Year is looking unlikely. If you reside in NSW your Yoga Studio will be affected by changes being announced in the next few days. We will endeavour to keep you informed over this period.

We wish everyone a safe finale to 2020.

  

Updated 30th November 2020:

As States within Australia are now opening their borders, please be aware that each State has it’s own regulations on what is permitted for yoga studios and class sizes.

NSW has just announced that all yoga studios must register their business as COVID safe and now apply electronic check in for students. We strongly encourage you to use the free NSW Government QR code that connects to the Service NSW app, as it securely stores customer data and can be instantly accessed by NSW Health if there is an outbreak. Businesses that don’t follow the COVID-19 safety rules risk serious penalties and possible closure under the Public Health Order. Below are the steps you need to take to meet your obligations, keep customers and staff safe, and stay open:

  • Complete your COVID Safety Plan and register your business as COVID Safe
  • Complete your COVID-19 Safety Plan online – fill in the one that is relevant to your industry.
  • Set up electronic customer check-in (such as a QR code) by 23 November
  • Keep a copy of your COVID Safety Plan at your business so you can show it to an Authorised Officer if required.
  • Display your QR code & verify each customer
  • Check-in customers via webform when you can’t connect to the internet to use your QR code

Please read more about this on the Service NSW Government page here.

As restrictions ease across Australia you will see the requirements differ from state to state. You will find all this information relevant to your state via the important website links above.

We highly recommend that all students bring their own props and mats to class.

  

Updated 16 April 2020:

Good Afternoon Members and Community,

As of 23 March 2020 IYTA recommends that all face to face classes should not be conducted. If you want to continue servicing your students with yoga practices please find a way to do them online.

INSURANCE AND ONLINE TEACHING UPDATE

Please check with your insurer that you are covered for online teaching. Most insurance houses are now allowing you to be covered for online teaching but may have differing requirements on how that is to be delivered. IYTA has been in communication with Gallagher, our recommended insurer, to clarify their position:

  1. Have a written legal disclaimer on your website, Facebook group, YouTube/Vimeo/Zoom account (whatever platform you are using to deliver your classes advising that participation or action in the class is at their own responsibility.
  2. Let students know that there are limitations as to what they can and can’t do with the information/action that is provided.
  3. As IYTA teachers we should already be giving precautions in our classes but it is always a good idea to remind students to not “over do” it when doing a physical class.
  4. Advise students to seek medical advice if they have underlying conditions affecting their asana practice.

Gallagher has stated that they are “pleased to be able to offer covering for online classes”. IYTA still advise that if you are unsure about your policy covering to still check directly with your insurer.

New resources for taking your classes online:

Resources for Legal Essentials:

The wording used in your waiver form can also be used online as a basic disclaimer, for example:

These yoga classes are being taught by a qualified yoga teacher. All care will be taken to ensure your wellbeing and safety. Any instructions given are intended as guidance only and you should not do anything that you consider inappropriate for you. This course is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care. Please consult your medical practitioner before you begin or if you have any questions or concerns about the suitability of these classes.

*Please do make sure to check details with your own Yoga Insurance Policy

Stay up to date with credible Government sources. If posting in social media regarding COVID-19 please ensure that your material is fact checked by credible sources. There is enough misinformation on the subject without yoga teachers contributing to the confusion.

  

Updated 23 March 2020:

Dear Members and Community,

As of 23 March 2020 IYTA recommends all face to face classes should not be conducted. If you want to continue providing your students with yoga practices please find a way to do this online. Last week we re-posted on our Facebook page some options for online posting, if you know of any similar information please share it with us so we can share it with your community. Here are the links:

We are updating information on our COVID-19 Recommendations for Yoga Teachers and Studios page on our IYTA website. Please go to this page for links to credible government resources and make sure you stay up to date (please also find links below).

There is much misinformation out there about COVID-19, please make sure you fact-check the information you post on your own pages and help to support each other through this time.

This year is proving to be a very testing time for all. Please remember to take this opportunity to utilise the highly valued tools of yoga. Bring out those grounding practices of asana, breath awareness, relaxations and meditations. We will come out the other side better students and teachers.

We are posting on our Facebook Page, Instagram and our IYTA Website and are still offering online courses (Yin, Meditation and Pranayama and we are currently working to bring you more options), our CPD yoga teaching videos (available to full members), International Light Magazine and eNews. We will continue to provide updates and information as it affects our community, please stay in-touch with us and each other.

We are all in this together, and we are committed to support you.

Stay safe and healthy

Yours in Yoga

The Team at IYTA

  

Updated 16th March 2020

Dear Members and Community,

Last week on facebook we posted some useful information provided by Yoga Alliance on our site regarding the Corona Virus and how to help prevent the spread of the virus.

In the past week there has been a dramatic upscaling of response to COVID-19 by our Australian Government which is changing daily. At this point I highly recommend that you stay informed by daily checking reliable resources that are listed below this text (each State has their own health link).

Yoga Australia has provided some useful signs to post at your Yoga Studios. Here is the link: Download signs here

However, yesterday, the Government asked the population to keep a 1.5m social distance from each other which will impact all face to face yoga classes. A message from Yoga Alliance (US) this morning has recommend that all teachers if placed under a social distancing directive cancel all their face to face yoga classes and to look at alternatives of providing on-line classes to your students until the need for social distancing has passed.

Some basic standards to be followed:

  • Regularly wash your hands;
  • Disinfect equipment after each use, or better still stop using props;
  • Disinfect hard surfaces such as doors, floors etc, after every class;
  • Inform people that if they are unwell to stay at home.

This will be a very difficult time for ourselves as teachers. We feel a responsibility to provide a safe haven for our students and give them the tools to cope with such a crisis. There is a lot of fear in the community. Financially many of us are going be hard hit with reductions or cancellations in all our classes. Take this time to research online options of class delivery, self study with online courses and reading. Where possible keep your students informed of what is happening with your classes and timetables and suggest some simple practices they can use at home.

This year is proving to be a very testing time for all. Please remember to take this opportunity to utilise the highly valued tools of yoga. Bring out those grounding practices of asana, breath awareness, relaxations and meditations. We will come out the other side better students and teachers.

We are all in this together, and we are committed to support you. We will continue to provide updates and information as it affects our community.

Yours in yoga