COVID-19: Restrictive practices and the law during a global pandemic – an Australian perspective

The COVID-9 pandemic has created a heightened state of anxiety and fear in many communities (Usher, Durkin, & Bhullar, 2020), particularly within vulnerable populations (such as the elderly, people with disability and people with mental illness; prisoners and asylum seekers). These vulnerable populations are already sensitive to the use of restrictive practices, namely, the use of interventions that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of patients via restraint (chemical, mechanical, social or physical) and seclusion. These concerns are exacerbated in a time of pandemic (World Health Organization, 2020). The laws in all Australian jurisdictions require consideration of the principle that the freedom of people in care is restricted as little as possible. It is therefore essential that restrictive practices are undertaken lawfully and with careful consideration (Chandler, White, & Wilmott, 2016). Two recent decisions of tribunals illustrate these concerns (See Box 1)