05/18/2020
Protocol for Return to Clinical Practice in Respect of Covid-19
This protocol was developed with the goal of reducing the risk of exposure to the virus that causes Covid-19 for you, the client, within my clinical setting.
Self-Assessment for Symptoms Prior to Arrival:
• Massagebook, my online booking software, will send you a link to update your intake form with Covid-19 related questions before your scheduled appointment. You will be required to sign it electronically prior to your first appointment back since the mandatory quarantine.
One day prior to your booked appointment, you will be required to complete the online BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool and stay home if you experience any symptoms of Covid-19. I will contact you one day before your scheduled appointment to verify that its been completed.
The tool can be found here: https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en
Symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses and can be mild or severe. You are required to cancel your massage if you have ‘just the sniffles’, ‘seasonal allergies’ or ‘just feeling under the weather’
In addition, please cancel if you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms.
-Fever
-Cough (new)
-Chills
-Shortness of breath
-Sore throat
-Stuffy or runny nose (new)
-Loss of sense of smell/taste
-Headache (new)
-Muscle aches (new)
-Fatigue
-Loss of appetite
• In order for the massage therapy treatment to commence, you and I must agree that the therapeutic benefit of massage therapy outweighs any potential consequence of treatment, including the possibility of viral transmission.
• If you are in a high risk category and/or have a weakened immune system, we should consider alternatives for care and postpone treatment.
• The treatment will be cancelled immediately if you do not meet the pre-screening criteria upon physical presentation at the clinic.
Physical Distancing in Reception Area and Entry into the Clinic Space
• Only 1 client is permitted in the clinic space at any given time. You must arrive unaccompanied, unless you must be accompanied by a legal guardian due to age or disability.
• The fabric couch cannot be removed from the reception area and are therefore NOT TO BE USED at any time, as I cannot disinfect it between each client. If you need to sit to put your shoes on, please use the wooden chair(Thanks for your cooperation!)
• You are asked to arrive on time and not early or late for your appointment.
• You must wait in your vehicles outside the clinic, until I come out to get you.
• The clinic door will be opened for you by me, and will be locked behind you to prevent anyone else from entering the space during the course of your treatment.
Physical Distancing Within the Treatment Room:
• It is NOT possible to maintain physical distancing while in the treatment room.
• You will be asked to keep all your personal belongings in a plastic basket, which will be sanitized between each client.
Washroom:
• The waiting room is equipped with a soap dispenser and 1 time use hand towels. Proper hand washing guidelines are posted.
Hand Hygiene in Reception Area and Entry into Clinic Space
• Immediately upon entering the clinic space you must wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry them thoroughly.
• Payments can be made using tap or via email transfer. Please avoid bringing cash** (Sorry for the inconvenience)
Hand Hygiene In the Treatment Room
•Tissue is available inside the treatment room so that you may use it as a barrier when opening/closing the door.
•Hand sanitizer is available within the treatment room if needed.
•You will be asked to wash your hands after the treatment in the washroom for 20 seconds and dry your hands thoroughly.
• Tissue will be available throughout the clinic: in the reception area, treatment room and washroom for you to use to address an itch and/or touch the face for any other reason.
Personal Protective Equipment:
• A disposable/cloth mask is NOT required for you; if you wish to wear one you are asked to bring a cloth or disposable one time use mask or one will be provided. (Keeping in mind these are in VERY VERY VERY high demand and VERY VERY VERY short supply, and I do not have a lot of them)
Liability - In the Event That a Client Alleges they Caught COVID-19 from the Therapist
•I (RMT) will immediately call public health at 811 to report the alleged transmission, providing both your name and my name (RMT), and your contact details.
•You must agree to the release of this information in order to receive treatment.
Determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
