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.
• A vinyl heating pad will be used during treatments if necessary, sanitized before and 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.
• The names of all patients treated will be logged on a sheet for contract tracing purposes should the need arise. This log will be kept confidential for privacy reasons, but patients 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.
• Owing to the fact that I am currently employed in the film industry, I am being tested for COVID-19 twice a week . 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. 

• Every patient 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 patient answer “yes” to ANY of the questions on the COVID-19 Screening portion.
• Patients with higher risk profiles and/or weakened immune systems should consider alternatives for care and postpone treatment.
• I will arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time, 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 patient’s chart.
• Upon passing the screening process, I will provide the patient with a clean, disposable mask if they don’t have one. Temperatures will be taken using a contactless thermometer and readings recorded in the patient's chart. Patients will be asked to sanitize their hands before beginning treatment.
• Please be prepared to provide hand washing facilities upon my arrival, so that I may wash my hands, forearms and elbows with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after each treatment. To ensure minimal contact with surfaces, please ensure a clear pathway to the washroom with doors opened.
• 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.
• Masks that cover both the nose and mouth must be worn for the duration of the treatment. At this time, it is recommended that they are of the disposable variety. If a patient cannot wear a mask, treatment must be postponed. If a patient 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 patients 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 patient 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.