COVID-19
The information available regarding the COVID-19 pandemic changes rapidly and new details about financial supports that are available to RMTs are released often. On this page, we have compiled links to relevant information regarding financial support, CMTO announcements, RMTAO advocacy and general COVID-19 information. We will be updating this page regularly so be sure to check back for the most up-to-date information available.
General COVID-19 Information
World Health Organization - COVID-19 Website
This webpage provides global statistics, guidance and advice.
Government of Canada - Public Health Agency of Canada - COVID-19 Website
This federal webpage includes COVID-19 outbreak updates, information on the disease and how to protect yourself and others, information on federal financial and economic support, travel and safety considerations, and additional resources.
Canada COVID-19 App
This app is a central resource for accessing personalized, trusted, evidence-based information about the COVID-19 pandemic across Canada.
Government of Ontario - COVID-19 Website
This provincial webpage includes a self-assessment tool, Ontario COVID-19 case status, featured updates and service changes.
Public Health Ontario - COVID-19 Website
This provincial webpage includes information research, testing and additional resources.
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - COVID-19 Guidance for the Health Sector
This webpage provides specific information, guidance and resources for healthcare workers
Federal and Provincial COVID-19 Announcements
Ontario Removing Mask Mandates
With continued improvement in trends, Ontario will remove the mandatory masking requirement for most settings on March 21, with the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings.
Ontario Moving to Next Phase of Reopening on February 17
With key public health and health system indicators continuing to improve, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously and gradually easing public health measures sooner, with the next phase of measures being eased on February 17, 2022 at 12:01 a.m.
Ontario Outlines Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures
With key public health and health care indicators starting to show signs of improvement, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, today released details of steps to cautiously and gradually ease public health measures, starting on January 31, 2022.
Ontario Releases Three-Step Roadmap to Safely Reopen the Province
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has released its Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures based on the provincewide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health and health care indicators.
Ontario extends Stay at Home Order and Increases restrictions.
Please note that the closure of playgrounds and the power for police to stop anyone out of their home has since been revoked.
Ontario Moves Schools to Remote Learning Following Spring Break
After the break in mid-April, Ontario shifted all schools to in the province to remote learning once again.
COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open
When not under a Stay at Home order, the various regions of Ontario follow the restrictions outlined in this colour-coded framework based on the situation in their area.
COVID-19 Screening Tool for Students and Staff
The Ontario government has launched a voluntary interactive screening tool to assist parents, students and staff with the daily assessment of COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors before attending school.
Ontario Chief Medical Officer Directive #2 to Health Care Providers
The updated order (Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Directive #2 for Regulated Health Professionals) allows for a gradual restart of services to be carried out with adherence to guidance from the health professional’s regulatory college.
Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart
this document provides operational details and requirements as listed in Directive #2 dated May 26, 2020 and outlines measures that must be in place in order to meet public health guidelines and promote a safe environment for the provision of in-person health services by health care providers.
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) Regulatory Announcements
Updated Practice Guideance - March 21, 2022
Updated Practice Guidance - March 21, 2022. On March 9, 2022, the Ontario Government announced changes to masking mandates, and the lifting of any remaining public health measures, directives and orders by the end of April. In response, CMTO has updated its COVID-19 guidance for RMTs. As of March 21, 2022, CMTO’s COVID-19 Practice Guidance for Massage Therapists is no longer in effect. However, many of the requirements in that guidance are still in effect. You can view the new guidance at cmto.com/covid-19
Guidance to RMTs on COVID-19 – Gradual Restart of Deferred Services
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Directive #2 for Regulated Health Professionals allows for a gradual restart of services to be carried out with adherence to guidance from the health professional’s regulatory college. The CMTO has provided this guidance for RMTs.
COVID-19 Pandemic - Practice Guidance for Massage Therapists: May 26, 2020
After the update to Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Directive #2 for Regulated Health Professionals, Registered Massage Therapists are permitted to gradually resume massage therapy services following CMTO and ministry of health guidance.
CMTO COVID-19 Webpage
This webpage includes FAQs for RMTs, resources, and information for students, educators and exam candidates.
Mask Discounts
The RMTAO has arranged mask discounts for RMTs with four different companies.
JVL Enterprise JVL Enterprise is offering RMTAO members discounts on masks, hand sanitizer and other PPE. Email cynthia@jvl-enterprise.com to access discounts.
Canada Strong Masks will offer RMTAO members 10% off all products by using the code RMT10 at checkout. This discount will be available for 30 days at which point they will reevaluate and consider extending the discounts.
Masks Supply Canada will offer members 20% off their Dent-X masks using the RMTAOROCKS at checkout, with no minimum requirement or deadline to order.
ViralClean.ca will offer members up to 40% off, depending on the product, if they email them to make an order.
Financial Supports
Canada Recovery Benefit
The new Canada Recovery Benefit is open for applications from October 12, 2020 for one year and would provide a benefit amount of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks to workers who are not eligible for EI
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they're sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
This temporary income support is available if you have stopped working as a result of COVID-19.Eligible individuals receive $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
Canada Emergency Business Account
This account provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Canadian employers whose business has been affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages, which has been extended through June 2021.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
Canada Emergency Student Benefit
The Canada Emergency Student Benefitprovides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19 and who don't qualify for the CERB or EI. This provides $1250 for a four week period, or $2000 for four weeks if you have dependants or a disability
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Asssistance
Offers forgivable loans to property owners so they can reduce the rent for their commercial tennants by 75% for April, May and June.
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies - Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
This fund supports small businesses by mitigating the financial pressure experienced by businesses and organizations and preparing now for a successful recovery.
Ontario Support for Families
While schools and child care centres are closed, parents can apply for direct funding to offset the cost of buying materials to support their children’s learning, while they practice self-isolation and physical distancing. Eligible parents will receive a one-time per child payment of $200 for children aged 0 to 12 and $250 for children or youth aged 0 to 21 with special needs.
Goods and Services Tax Credit
If you normally receive the GST/HST credit and have filed a 2018 tax return, you will receive an extra one-time payment. If you were not previously entitled to the GST/HST credit, you may also receive the one-time credit amount based on your family net income.
Mortgage Deferral Help through Canadian Banks
Canada’s largest banks are offering mortgage payment relief to customers by way of deferred mortgage payments.Speak directly with your banking institution.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
If you’re behind on your electricity or natural gas bill and face having your service disconnected, you may qualify for emergency financial help through LEAP.
Ontario Works Emergency Assistance
You may qualify if you live in Ontario, are in a crisis or emergency situation, and do not have enough money for things like food and housing.
RMTAO Advocacy Efforts
March 19, 2021 - In mid March in a news conference, premier Doug Ford questioned why RMTs could get vaccinated as part of phase 1 of the vaccine rollout when some 80+ year olds were still waiting. The RMTAO clarified our support of the province’s already established vaccine plan which included a letter to the Premier and other Ministers as well as a statement to Global News.
Read the RMTAO letter to the Premier and Other Ministers
November 24, 2020 - Letter to the Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams
This is a letter to Ontario's Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams, asking for a correction to his misleading and inaccurate comments stating that RMTs could not continue to practice in lockdown areas.
June 24, 2020 - Response from the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
This is a response to our earlier letter to the Ontario government advocating for financial assistance for RMTs to access the PPE they need, reiterating what the government already provides and commiting to more work in this area as required.
June 10, 2020 - Letter to the Minister of Health Regarding the June 9 Press Conference
This letter requests a correction after both the Premier and Minister of Health were unable to articulate the difference between Registered Massage Therapists and hairdressers in a press conference on June 9, 2020.
June 4, 2020 - Letter to the Minister of Finance Regarding Extending the CERB for High Risk Populations
This letter requests that those who choose to not return to work due to increased risk for COVID-19 should still be able to access the CERB. Individuals with factors that put them at a higher risk from COVID-19, have members of their household who are at higher risk, or work in higher risk settings or with higher risk populations who choose not to go back to work may not qualify to receive the CERB under the current criteria.
May 26, 2020 - CMTA Letter to the Minister of Finance Regarding Extending the CERB and CEWS
The Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance (CMTA), in which the RMTAO plays a leadership role, has written to the Federal Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, advocating for the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for those who need it as well as for an expansion of the requirements for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
May 21, 2020 - Response from Minister of Health Regarding Return to Work
This letter was received from Christine Elliott, Ontario Minister of Health, in response to the RMTAO letters sent on May 1 and May 4, 2020.
May 14, 2020 - Letter to the Prime Minister Regarding Financial Assistance for PPE
This letter requests financial assistance to mitigate the cost of purchasing the required PPE for our members and other self-employed healthcare providers, which would help to ensure our important services are provided in a safe environment without passing the cost on to our patients.
May 14, 2020 - Letter to the Premier Regarding Financial Assistance for PPE
This letter requests financial assistance to mitigate the cost of purchasing the required PPE for our members and other self-employed healthcare providers, which would help to ensure our important services are provided in a safe environment without passing the cost on to our patients.
May 4, 2020 - Letter to the Minister of Health RE Return to Work - Follow Up
This letter was sent as a follow up to the letter sent on May 1, 2020 to ensure that a robust strategy is in place to protect the safety for all involved before RMTs return to providing healthcare.
May 1, 2020 - Letter to the Minister of Health RE Return to Work
This letter advocated to have RMTs return to work with the other regulated health professions as part of stage one reopening.
April 9, 2020 - Letter to the Prime Minister Regarding the Canada Emergency Business Account
This letter outlined concerns relating to the qualification criteria for the Canada Emergency Account which currently excludes sole proprietors.
March 27, 2020 - Coalition Letter to the Insurance Bureau of Canada Regarding assessment and treatment services for Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) clients
This letter sent from the Coalition of Health Professional Associations In Ontario Automobile Insurance Services was sent to the Insurance Bureau of Canada with guiding principles and recommendations to ensure that Ontario’s auto insurance industry can temporarily adapt its policies and processes for accident benefits so as to ensure safe and efficient administration and delivery of assessment and care during this unprecedented and rapidly evolving crisis
March 17, 2020 - Letter to the Prime Minister Regarding COVID-19
This letter outlined concerns relating to the financial hardship of our members who are not eligible for Employment Insurance and saught targeted initiatives that will assist self-employed individuals and small business owners.
March 17, 2020 - Letter to the Premier Regarding COVID-19
This letter outlined concerns relating to the financial hardship of our members who are not eligible for Employment Insurance and saught targeted initiatives that will assist self-employed individuals and small business owners.
March 17, 2020 - Letter to the Mayor of Toronto Regarding COVID-19
This letter outlined concerns relating to the financial hardship of our members who are not eligible for Employment Insurance and saught targeted initiatives that will assist self-employed individuals and small business owners.
Vaccination Information
As Regulated Health Professionals who see patients in person, RMTs were eligible for COVID-19 vaccination as part of Phase 1 of the vaccine rollout covering what is considered to be high risk health professionals. RMTs who have not yet had their first COVID-19 vaccine can still book an appointment through their local public health unit.
Read the Ministry of Health COVID-19: Guidance for Prioritizing Health Care Workers for COVID-19 Vaccination.
RMTs are considered High Priority Health Professionals in this guideline.
Read the Health Canada information about COVID-19 Vaccines
Health Canada also provides information about the COVID-19 vaccine
Patient Resources
What to Expect from Your Massage Therapy Appointment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Improving Sleep in the Era of COVID-19
Maintaining Mobility During Isolation
Focusing on Education During COVID-19
Relieving Stress During COVID-19
Dealing with Chronic Pain During COVID-19
Cross Training for Overhead Athletes
Cross Training for Running Sports
Self-Care for Massage Clients: Staying relaxed and comfortable between appointments
Additional Supports
Checklist for RMTs to Prepare for Return to Practice
Based on the CMTO guidance, the RMTAO has created a checklist of things you can do to ensure you are prepared for an eventual return to practice. This includes items to purchase, changes to your practice space and changes to your record keeping and scheduling procedures. By having these things prepared you will be well placed to follow all CMTO guidance once a return to practice is possible.
Ontario Workplace PPE Supplier Directory
Government of Ontario has launched a website to provide businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers. The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory has an up-to-date list of Ontario companies and business associations that are ready to supply personal protective equipment.
COVID-19 - Tackling the Barriers
A place where businesses can submit the barriers they forsee in light of physical distancing guidelines.
Healthforce Matching Portal
This portal allows health professionals to be matched with positions they can take on the frontline of the healthcare response to COVID-19.
Wellness Together Canada
The government has launched a portal dedicated to mental health that will connect Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls, and will make it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues.
What You Can Do
We’ve compiled a couple of things you can do to help your patients, make a difference and engage in self-care.
Reviewing Your Business Plan
We've compiled a step by step overview of how to review your business plan so your business can be as successful as possible once it comes time to reopen.