Daily COVID-19 Update - May 27, 2020
BlogImage
Guidance to RMTs on COVID-19 – Gradually Restarting Massage Therapy Treatments
The Ontario government recently updated Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Directive #2 for Regulated Health Professionals . As a result RMTs are now permitted to gradually restart Massage Therapy services. The Directive encourages healthcare providers to limit the number of in-person visits for the safety of healthcare providers and their patients.
Directive #2 allows for a gradual restart of services to be carried out with adherence to guidance from the health professional’s regulatory college. In the gradual restart of services, RMTs must:
- Comply with requirements in the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart (May 26, 2020 or as current), including, but not limited to, the hierarchy of hazard controls;
- Prioritize clients with essential care needs while gradually resuming practice. Massage Therapy treatment is considered essential when the client’s overall health or function would considerably decline if treatment were not provided (i.e. lead to hospitalization or other serious health consequences);
- Adhere to COVID-19 Pandemic – Practice Guidance for Massage Therapists
- Restart Massage Therapy practice gradually, ensuring enough time between appointments to clean and disinfect the practice environment; and
- Regularly look for updates on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 webpage and the CMTO website as the pandemic continues to evolve. Direction from the Ministry of Health and Chief Medical Officer of Health overrules anything that may be on the CMTO website.
Extension of Emergency Orders
The Ontario government is extending all emergency orders in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Current emergency orders include the closure of outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, public swimming pools and outdoor water facilities, as well as bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery. Additionally, there continues to be restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and staff redeployment rules remain in place for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women's shelters.