The Ontario Government has extended the emergency declaration and province-wide stay-at-home order for an additional two weeks, and announced additional restrictions to come into effect in the next few days. Learn more about the latest public health measures and restrictions on the province’s COVID-19 website.

Like the current “stay-at-home order” and “emergency brake shutdown” the new restrictions do not directly impact the ability of Massage Therapists (MTs/RMTs) to provide healthcare services.

However, with COVID-19 numbers continuing to rise in Ontario, RMTs must conduct risk assessments before every treatment to ensure the anticipated benefits of treatment outweigh the risks to the client and the RMT. RMTs are reminded to follow all Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures in CMTO’s COVID-19 Pandemic – Practice Guidance for Massage Therapists, including, but not limited to, wearing a surgical/procedure mask during treatment and whenever within two (2) metres of clients. CMTO also recommends RMTs wear eye protection (face shield or goggles) and ensure ventilation systems are in good working order.

CMTO will review the relevant regulations when they are available from today’s announcement and will update RMTs if things change. We have been at this for over a year now, and CMTO is extremely grateful to RMTs for their role in protecting themselves, their clients and the community. For questions on vaccination eligibility, access and safety from credible sources, please visit CMTO’s COVID-19 webpage.

If you have questions after reviewing the information on our website, please contact CMTO’s Practice Specialist at practicespecialist@cmto.com or by phone at 416-489-2626/1-800-465-1933 extension 4124. For information on COVID-19 vaccination in your region, please contact your local Public Health Unit.

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping Ontarians safe and protected during this ongoing pandemic.