12/10/2020
Just for now, until the numbers come down, we all must do our part. Stay safe!
Dear Members,
It was announced today by the provincial government that further restrictions will be coming into effect at midnight Sunday, December 13th (Saturday night), to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the burden on the public healthcare system. As such, massage therapy services must cease on or before that time.
Although the MTAA is very much in support of any action that helps limit the spread of COVID-19 and reduces the risk of harm to both clients and practitioners, we feel that mandating the closure of massage therapy services does not achieve this goal. Massage therapy is an integral part of Albertan’s healthcare regime. It is especially useful to help combat the effects of stress which may be caused or exacerbated by the social isolation requirements of the current health pandemic restrictions. Since June 15th, when Phase 2 of the relaunch plan was enacted, massage therapists have been working with Albertans in a safe and effective manner. To our knowledge, no outbreaks of COVID-19 have been linked to the provision of massage therapy services. Restricting Albertan’s access to massage therapy care may inadvertently cause more harm to those seeking care.
Most Canadian provinces have regulated the massage therapy profession. As regulated health professionals, massage therapists have been allowed to continue practicing when provinces have enacted widespread public health restrictions. MTAA massage therapists are trained to the same national competency standards as our regulated counterparts in other provinces. Furthermore, our members are required to follow the same pandemic practice guidelines that Alberta’s regulated health professionals must follow and that Alberta Health Services (AHS) has mandated.
The MTAA Board of Directors believes that our members can provide essential care for Albertans in a safe and effective manner. We will advocate that our members be allowed to return to practice provided they continue to follow all AHS Infection Control Guidelines, and the MTAA COVID-19 Pandemic Practice Directive, which is aligned with current AHS guidelines.
Until an exemption or re-categorization of massage therapy can be confirmed, members must cease practicing in accordance with the provincial government’s mandatory restrictions.
Sincerely,
MTAA Board of Directors
