The Ontario Government and the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health have provided a new directive for Regulated Health Professionals that allow for treatments to take place, including through lockdowns, with the adherence to guidance from each health profession’s regulatory college. Guidelines have been set into place by both the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), as well as Ontario Ministry of Health’s guidance for the health sector.
Our first priority as RMTs is the health and safety of both our patients and ourselves. I have completed the online training for Infectious Disease and Prevention Control, offered by Public Health Ontario.
The following safety measures are now effective immediately.
- Masks are required to be worn. Patients are encouraged to bring their own mask, yet are available for $2.
- In addition to routine procedures, increased cleaning and disinfectant protocols are now in place: The treatment area and areas outside the room that are considered high touch surfaces (door knobs, light switches, washrooms, counters, debit/credit card terminals) will be cleaned in between each patient with a 2-step process. First to clean, 2nd to disinfect; and enough time will be given for proper disinfection, before the room is set up for the next patient.
- While sheets, pillow cases and face cradle covers have always been changed for each patient, with the table and face cradle being cleaned; comfortable vinyl covers will now cover the table and pillows under the linens, which will act as an extra barrier and are easy to disinfect.
- New documentation has been created. This includes a general log outlining the cleaning and disinfection steps for the Practice facility; an individual record for each patient’s file – including steps taken before/during/after the treatment to minimize risks; and a tracing record. This tracing record will only be visible to myself, and will include the name and phone number of anyone who enters the Practice facility, along with the time spent inside. Should you not feel comfortable with having your name on the tracing log, please let me know at the time of your appointment.
- The number of appointments booked per day has been reduced, in order to accommodate new protocols. Larger time durations are now between each patient, to reduce overlap.
The following steps are in place for each appointment:
- A Screening questionnaire will be sent out 1 day prior to your appointment, along with your reminder.
- Screening will also be done upon your arrival for your appointment.
- In order to prevent overcrowding in the common areas, please do not enter the building more then 3 minutes before your appointment time. There is currently no seating in the waiting area.
- If you are a new patient and have health history forms to complete, please come in at the time specified with your appointment reminder.
- A COVID-19 Consent form must be signed by every patient, at their 1st appointment.
- Hand sanitizer is available at various points throughout the facility. Packaged alcohol wipes are also available for you at your request, to sanitize before getting into your car.
- Time spent in the common areas will be kept to minimum. Should you have any questions or concerns during your treatment time, please address them in the treatment room.
- Unless accompanying a minor or require a personal aide, only 1 person is permitted in the treatment room.
Please remember every one of these guidelines is for your safety and are a requirement for us to be allowed to work. If you have any additional concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
