On August 26, 2021, the Ministry of Health (MOH) released an updated version of the COVID-19 Patient Screening Guidance Document (Version 5). Screening questions have changed to reflect emerging evidence about COVID-19 and are for use by RMTs during active screening.

There are two important changes:

• The MOH Screening Guidance now accounts for a patient’s/client’s vaccination status during active screening.
• An updated symptoms list has been included.

As outlined in the Screening Guidance Document, RMTs begin by asking all clients Q1.

• If the client answers “No” to Q1, RMTs must ask Qs 3, 4, 5 and 6.
• If the client answers “Yes” to Q1, RMTs should only ask Qs 3 and 4.

Q2 of the Screening Guidance is only to be asked to long-term care or retirement home staff by dispatch centres.

If a client answers “Yes” to any of Qs 3, 4, 5 or 6, they will screen positive and the RMT should not proceed with treatment at that time.

Screening outcomes/results must be documented in the client record.

Reminder: COVID-19 guidance remains in place

RMTs are reminded that all requirements for practise during the pandemic remain in place, including both RMT and client use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures. RMTs must practice in line with CMTO’s Code of Ethics and continue to follow:

• The Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Operational Requirements for Health Sector Restart
• CMTO’s COVID-19 Practice Guidance for Massage Therapists
• Conduct risk assessments before every treatment

Directive 6 Resource Guide

The Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Directive 6, which mandates vaccination policies in some healthcare settings, now includes a resource guide to support implementation of the Directive. Learn more about Directive 6 and view the resource guide.