30/06/2020
Good afternoon everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that I am still waiting on the mandatory medical masks required for me to start back to work. I've contacted the company several times and they have only given me a rough estimate of end of June/beginning of July delivery. Once I have received these I will be calling clients starting with the first cancelled appointments to reschedule you all in. I'm looking forward to seeing you all and getting back into a regular routine!
In the meantime I have a longwinded post of what to expect with the new pandemic protocols in place. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
These are my new practice guidelines as recommended by the Ministry of Health and the CMTO in order to minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19. Please note that due to the nature of Massage Therapy, physical distancing is impossible so these protocols will not completely eliminate the risk of transmission.
Pre-Screening / Prior to Arrival
* Clients will be informed about their responsibilities at the time of booking and must agree to adhere to the new safety measures.
* Three days prior to their booked appointment, I will call the client to complete a COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment tool (it takes less than 1 minute to do). I will then record your answers in your file.
* I will also be using the COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool daily and commit to rescheduling all appointments if symptoms appear.
* Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses and seasonal allergies. An appointment must be cancelled immediately if either the client or the therapist presents with even mild symptoms that may be signs of COVID-19 including: fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat or pain with swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or pink eye.
* As a part of this consent form, clients must commit to understanding that while I’ve taken all possible measures to minimize risk of viral transmission, the nature of massage therapy and other treatments means that physical distancing is not possible in the treatment room.
In order for massage therapy treatment to commence the therapeutic benefit of massage therapy must outweigh any potential consequence of treatment, including the possibility of viral transmission.
* Clients must confirm that they have not been in contact with anyone displaying illness, or signs and symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days prior to their treatment.
* Clients with higher risk profiles and/or weakened immune systems should consider alternatives for care and postpone treatment.
* The client and the therapist must both agree that the benefits of massage therapy outweigh the potential risks involved.
* If a client is feeling unwell and must cancel their appointment, they will NOT be charged
Upon Arrival
* I will have completed my Self-Assessment and confirm my results upon your arrival
* Clients must arrive wearing a clean mask that must stay on for the duration of your visit
* Clients must complete the screening questionnaire once more prior to treatment.
* The treatment will be cancelled immediately if the client does not meet the pre-screening criteria.
* A log will be kept of all people entering the office/treatment space; including couriers, guardians, clients, etc to assist with contact tracing if ever required.
Physical Distancing
* Clients must arrive unaccompanied unless a client is a minor or requires assistance
* It is not possible to maintain physical distancing while in the treatment room. For all other areas we will maintain a space of 2 meters (6 feet) distance between each other.
* All unnecessary items that cannot be disinfected after each client will be removed from the office/treatment.
* If you are early for your appointment, please wait in your car and text to let me know you have arrived as I may still be disinfecting and airing out the treatment room from the previous appointment.
Hand Hygiene
* Immediately upon entering the client must EITHER:
Go directly to the hand washing sink without touching anything and wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry thoroughly with paper towels
OR
Use the hand sanitizer provided for at least 20 seconds
I will follow proper hand washing techniques for at least 20 seconds before and after every appointment and after disinfecting the clinic space.
* E-transfer is a contactless method of payment clients can use, however I will still accept cash and cheques, but I will sanitize my hands before and after handling money, and paper receipts.
Avoid Face Touching
* Therapist and clients will wear face masks that cover both the nose and mouth at all times.
* Muscles of the face will not be treated at this time, until further notice.
Enhanced Cleaning
* Additional time has been scheduled between clients to allow for thorough cleaning of the treatment room in accordance with infection control protocols outlined by the Ministry of Health and CMTO.
* The treatment table, table levers, face cradle, pillows, chairs, and lotion bottles will be immediately disinfected after each treatment.
* All linens, including blankets are single use only and will be laundered using high heat, detergent and between each use.
* Everything else including chairs, stool, door k***s, light switches, and floor will be cleaned/disinfected after every appointment.
* The bathroom will be disinfected after each client appointment.
* An air purifier will be used during and/or after appointments. The window can also be opened to air out the room.
Personal Protective Equipment
* I will wear a face mask at all times as required by the CMTO and Ministry of Health.
* I will also be wearing nitrile gloves at this time.
* Safety glasses may be used, but are not required by the CMTO/MOH.
* Clients are required to wear a face mask. They can be fabric or disposable.
* If for some reason clients do not have a face mask they can inform me prior to their appointment and I will place one in the mailbox for you to put on prior to entering the clinic.
In the Event That a Client Alleges they Caught COVID-19 from the Therapist
* I will immediately call public health to report the alleged transmission, providing the contact details of my client and myself.
* A log will be kept of all people entering the office/treatment space; including couriers, guardians, clients, etc to assist with contact tracing if ever required. This log will be kept confidential for privacy reasons.
* All massage therapy appointments will be cancelled and I will cease to provide services until Public Health has investigated and provided direction.
* I will immediately self-isolate until Public Health has investigated and provided direction.
Asymptomatic Spreaders
* Asymptomatic transmission of the coronavirus is an unavoidable risk of practice until we’ve acquired herd immunity, there is an effective treatment or vaccine against COVID-19.
Informed Consent
* In the current environment of COVID-19 risk, informed consent requires that the client be informed and understands that:
Any massage therapy treatment involves some risk of COVID-19 transmission;
I am following all protocols to help reduce or mitigate risk where possible, but that risk cannot be reduced to zero
The client believes the risks outweigh the benefits of the treatment, and consents to treatment despite of the risks.
* I will have a consent form for you to fill out prior to your first massage in regards to treatment during the pandemic.
I know this may seem a bit overwhelming but the biggest difference for clients will be wearing a mask and extra hand hygiene. Most of the rest is just to let you know that I am doing my best to look out for your health and safety at this unprecedented time in our world.
