On behalf of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and Council, we are writing to commend and thank Massage Therapists (RMTs) for the contributions you are making to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.

RMTs, like other healthcare professionals in Ontario and beyond, have responded to this global pandemic by taking swift action to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. As you know, the Government of Ontario ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses and services, as of 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday March 24, 2020. In this order (which was extended on April 3), healthcare professionals are restricted from providing anything other than emergency/urgent care until 11:59 p.m. on April 18, 2020. As a result of the government order, CMTO’s position is that RMTs should not practice because the practice of Massage Therapy is not emergency/urgent care. We recognize and truly appreciate RMTs’ adherence to government directives and CMTO guidance to suspend providing Massage Therapy treatment. Please know, the contributions and sacrifices you are making are highly valued and are making a difference in the fight against COVID-19.

We also would like to express our gratitude to the more than 400 RMTs who have responded to the Ministry of Health’s call for experienced healthcare providers to help provincial efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. If you are interested to learn more or to participate in this government initiative, please visit the Ministry of Health’s NEW Ontario Health Workforce Matching Portal, available here.

We want to assure you that CMTO is working hard behind the scenes to respond to concerns about practice, continue operations and provide up-to-date information and guidance.

In addition to email communications, we recommend checking CMTO’s COVID-19 webpage for the latest updates. On this page, we have compiled helpful resources and answers to frequently asked questions for use by RMTs (including information about financial relief), along with information for Massage Therapy students, educators and examination candidates.

From suspending Massage Therapy practice, to answering the Ministry of Health’s request for healthcare providers, to responding to the call for personal protective equipment (PPE) donations; we sincerely thank all RMTs who are stepping up and contributing where they are able.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

Wishing you the very best of health and wellbeing.

Thank you,

Kim Westfall-Connor, RMT, Council President

Corinne Flitton, Registrar & CEO