COVID-19 Update – Directive from Chief Medical Officer and FAQs for RMTs
March 20, 2020
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) understands how passionate Ontario’s Massage Therapists (MTs/RMTs) are about treating and caring for clients, and ensuring the wellbeing of clients during this pandemic. We know this has been an unprecedented and challenging time for healthcare professionals and the healthcare system. The safety of the public, including Massage Therapists, is our top priority.
Chief Medical Officer of Health – Directive for Healthcare Providers
On March 16, 2020, CMTO provided guidance to the profession strongly recommending that RMTs suspend all non-essential Massage Therapy treatments. Subsequent to CMTO’s guidance, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a formal directive to healthcare providers pursuant to the Health Protection and Promotion Act ordering that all non-essential and elective services be ceased or reduced to minimal levels until further notice, with allowable exceptions for time sensitive circumstances to avert or avoid negative patient outcomes or situations that would have a direct impact on the safety of client. This directive applies to all regulated health professionals and persons who operate a group practice of regulated health professionals (e.g. clinic owners). We ask that all RMTs review the directive, you can access it here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 and Massage Therapy Treatment
CMTO is receiving questions from RMTs and the public and will continue to track and promptly respond to questions.
We’ve created FAQs that provide answers to the questions that CMTO is receiving most often. We hope this information is helpful, and we will continue to provide updates.
Dedicated Webpage
CMTO is creating a dedicated webpage for all COVID-19 related information and resources. The page will be live shortly, and we will email RMTs when it is available. In the meantime, all communication about COVID-19 can be found on the What’s New section of the CMTO website.
For questions about this information, please contact CMTO’s Practice Specialist at practicespecialist@cmto.com or by phone at (416) 489-2626/1-800-465-1933 extension 4124.
Thank you once again for your continued commitment to helping CMTO ensure public safety.