Colette Slone, RMT   - June 12, 2020

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes the disease known as COVID-19 which has a long incubation period of up to 2 weeks. Carriers of the virus may not show symptoms and still be contagious. The close contact nature of massage therapy and the length of time being in an enclosed space for prolonged periods elevate the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance. In order to provide safe and effective treatments, I have implemented the following protocols to protect you as well as myself. These protocols follow mandatory requirements as set forth by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and the Ministry of Health. 

• All surfaces (including headrest and table), lotion bottles, floors, doorknobs, chairs, pens, electronic devices and the washroom will be cleaned and sanitized using the wipe-twice method with Health Canada- approved products before and after each treatment.
• All table linens will have been washed with bleach and dried on the highest heat possible. Soiled linens will be stored in a sealed container, and fresh linens stored behind closed doors. As always, fresh linens will be used for every client.
• Bottled water will replace the self-serve water station. Clients are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. 
• All unnecessary items that cannot be disinfected after each client will be removed from the treatment room.
• Heating pads and hot towels will not be used during treatments for the time being. Should hydrotherapy be necessary to achieve treatment goals, a hot water bottle will be placed in a pillowcase, and both will be sanitized after each use.
• An air purifier with a HEPA filter will also be used intermittently to eliminate any cleaning product odours and to filter dander and dust.** Please note that there is no evidence that HEPA filters or residential UV light air purifiers remove or kill coronavirus.
• Appointments will be spaced apart with adequate time for cleaning and disinfection, so there is no concern for more than one patient being onsite at the same time.  Should you see another person other than myself, please stay 6 feet apart, or remain in your car.  
• A cleaning log (General Infection Prevention and Control) will be kept on display in the treatment room.
• All visitors to the clinic (including clients) will be logged on a sheet for contract tracing purposes should the need arise. This log will be kept confidential for privacy reasons, but clients can refuse to provide their name and phone #.
• I have and will continue to diligently observe social distancing and mask-wearing requirements when in public while there is evidence of ongoing community transmission.
• I will get tested for COVID-19 periodically starting mid June. Should I be informed of a positive test result, I will cease to provide services, self-isolate and promptly notify all individuals who I have been in contact with in the two weeks prior to the diagnosis. You can view my results here. 

• Every client must be pre-screened the day before the treatment. I will use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment screening tool daily. Treatment must be postponed if either I or the client answer “yes” to ANY of the questions on the COVID-19 Screening portion.
• Clients with higher risk profiles and/or weakened immune systems should consider alternatives for care and postpone treatment.
• Clients must arrive unaccompanied unless they are a minor or require assistance. If a support person must be present, they must also be pre-screened and follow the same protocols.
• Clients are asked to wait in their car/outside the building until the time of treatment, at which time I will review the screening questions over the phone to ensure the screening status has not changed. Results will be documented in the client’s chart.
• Upon passing the screening process, clients will be invited to enter the building and will be provided with a clean, disposable mask if they don’t have one. Temperatures will be taken using a contactless thermometer and readings recorded in the client’s chart. Clients will also be asked to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before beginning treatment.
• I will wash my hands, forearms and elbows with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after each treatment. Hand sanitizer will be available in the room.
• I will be wearing a surgical disposable mask and face shield throughout each treatment. Gloves will only be worn if I have non-intact skin (e.g a cut or scrape).  Clothing will be changed after each treatment, and I will shower in between each treatment.
• Masks that cover both the nose and mouth must be worn for the duration of the treatment. They can be cloth or disposable. If a client cannot wear a mask, treatment must be postponed. If a client becomes uncomfortable wearing the mask lying face down, I may suggest an alternate treatment position (lying on your side). If you must blow your nose or touch your face, you must sanitize your hands before and after touching your face. Tissues will be provided.
• Intra-oral treatments and muscles of the face will not be treated at this time, until further notice, to minimize the risk of droplet transmission.
• E-transfer is a contactless method of payment clients can use, however I will still accept credit cards and cash and will sanitize my hands before and after handling cards, money and paper receipts.
• No penalty or fee will be charged if a client is feeling unwell and must cancel their appointment.

Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Resource Page

Public Health Ontario Coronavirus Online Self-Assessment Tool if you suspect you may have contracted COVID-19

Information on Non-Medical Face Masks and Coverings

College of Massage Therapists of Ontario's COVID-19 Information

Ministry of Health COVID-19 Patient Screening Guidance Document, Version June 11 2020.