STAYING OPEN SAFELY 

Well here we are plowing through our second year of living with and adjusting to a new lifestyle with the Coronavirus and Covid-19 in our daily lives. What a journey this has been for all of us! Pre-screening, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and enhanced cleaning have become a way of life in helping reduce the risk of transmission. This is our 'new normal'.

Please let me thank all of you that have been part of this practice since the outbreak in March 2020, for your flexibility, your conscientiousness and your frank input, questions and sharing of knowledge. Together we have managed to adjust to the new protocols and to follow the protective structure as outlined by my professional college (CMTO), the Ministry of Health, and the Middlesex-London Health Unit.  In return for the collaborative work, you have allowed me to continue treating you, and and to offer you access to healthcare in the form of massage. Thank you.

Going forward, we are seeing that massage therapy is finding a new appreciation and recognition as a form of healthcare for many people. From long hours at make-shift home offices, or students with extended hours of screen time, to those less-talked-about issues of stress and anxiety, more people are seeking massage therapy to help them through the challenges that this time is presenting. I am thankful that we RMTs have been recognized as 'essential healthcare providers' so we can treat so many that benefit from this type of therapy. Your voices have been heard by those decision makers, and for this I thank you as well. 
Working together we are able to manage these difficult times, and I for one, look forward to the great celebrations at the end of this journey!

Be safe. Be well. Hang on!
Yours in health and happiness,
Anne + Sophii

PRE-SCREENING
DAY BEFORE TREATMENT: An online pre-screening form will be attached to your email reminder. Please be sure to fill this out and send back, or rebook if you show any symptoms. You can also take Ontario.ca's Self Assessment Tool.
 
DAY OF TREATMENT: The assessment questions will be asked again, and if at that time either you or I feel that either of us may have any symptoms, we will rebook the treatment. 
 
ANNE’s PRE-SCREENING: I too will re-assess myself prior to each appointment, and if I feel that I am showing any symptoms, I will inform you and rebook your appointment.
 
NOTE:  Cancellation fees will be waived for all COVID-19 related cancellations.

DISTANCING

Although distancing is not possible in the treatment room, I will make accommodations to practice distancing as best as possible in all areas outside of it.  This practice space will only have one client (you) and one registered massage therapist (me) on the premises at a time. 
 
RECEPTION + ENTRY:
  • You and I will maintain 2 metres / 6 feet of distance in clinic areas other than the treatment room, as best as possible.
  • You must arrive unaccompanied (unless you are a minor who requires a parent/guardian, or you are infirm).
  • You will be required to wait outside (in their car or back deck) and not in reception area. You will be called or texted when it is time to enter.
  • I will open the door for you at entry and the treatment room.
  • At end of treatment, payment and booking, I will again open the door for your exit.
 
TREATMENT ROOM: It is not possible to maintain physical distancing in the treatment room. However, precautions will be observed.
 
WASHROOM USE: I recommend that you use the washroom before arriving for your appointment to avoid extra contact with surfaces, but one will be available for you if you need.

SOPHII: I recommend that you refrain from petting Sophii during your visit. Although there is no clinical indications* that she could carry the virus to us through droplets, it is possible that droplets could fall on her coat. If you do pet her, I will ask that you sanitize your hands right after contact. 
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* published article, Ontario Shelter Medicine Association 

HAND HYGIENE
Although stringent hand washing is a normal part of a massage therapist’s hand hygiene protocol, extra sanitizing will now be observed by the RMT, and required when you (the client) is on the premises. Hand sanitizing stations will be provided.
 
CLIENT: You will be required to sanitize your hands according to the MOH protocol when entering the premises, and before leaving. Extra sanitization may be needed if you come into contact with doorknobs or other contact areas, or substances (ie. If you sneeze).
 
MASSAGE THERAPIST: RMTs wash their hands using soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds prior to and after each treatment. I will be also using extra sanitization methods after touching surfaces or substances.
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CONSENT

​As you know, consent for treatment is a regular part of the registered massage therapy session. As we re-open, I will be asking you to sign two separate forms:
 
CONSENT TO TREAT: Due to the nature of massage therapy, distancing is not possible in the treatment room. I want you to be clear of the risks and benefits of massage in this ‘new world’, and that you understand your options when signing this consent form. If ‘sensitive areas consent’ is required for your treatment, it will also be included on this one form.
 
TRACING LOG: An additional log has been requested to be included in our intake by the Ministry of Health. I will ask for your consent to be included on an attendance log with your full name and contact email. This initiative is to help with tracing in the event that someone that has been at clinic is diagnosed with Covid-19 after their visit here. Participation is optional, but I would encourage you to consider adding your information, as it is a great tool in keeping future outbreaks under control.
 
NOTE: Patients at greater risk: Please take additional precautions; discuss alternatives for care; postpone treatment; and explore options. RMTs may provide massage therapy when the patient and therapist agree together that the benefits of care delivery outweigh the risk to the patient. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
There has been much discussion around masks, gloves, aprons, and face shields. I would like to outline the direction from our professional college as we open up.

MASKS: As directed by the Ministry of Health, we both must wear disposable surgical/procedural masks for the duration of your visit. You must come with your own mask and be wearing it prior to entry of the building. I change and dispose of my mask after each client. If you mask gets torn or wet, I will have extras provided for you. Please assure that you are donning and doffing your mask properly.
 
GLOVES: As I will be practicing stringent hand washing and sanitizing, the need for gloves for a regular treatment would not be called for or required. Gloves will still be worn for any intra-oral treatments.  If you have any skin irritations or reasons that gloves would be required (such as a wound), the effected area will not be treated at this time (until the Covid crisis is behind us and no longer putting you or I at risk).
 
APRONS, GOWNS, FACE-SHIELDS:  I will be laundering my clothing after each client visit so as to prevent any cross contamination between clients as required by the Ministry of Health. I will not be wearing a face shield which is optional.
 
NOTE: Regardless of the directives, if you feel you would like extra PPE for both yourself and me, please contact me and we can discuss what can be arranged to help you feel safe and comfortable in coming to the practice.

CLEANING PROTOCOLS

Hand hygiene, stringent cleaning and disinfecting protocols are part of an RMT’s regular practice. I will be addressing possible contact areas and zones more diligently between clients during this time as an addition to my regular cleaning routine.

My cleaning protocols include:
  • Linens, blankets, and towels are single use only; then laundered in hot soapy water and dried on the highest heat.
  • My uniform will be treated as single use only; then laundered in hot soapy water and dried on the highest heat.
  • Treatment table, face cradle, stool and any table appliances will be sanitized after each treatment.
  • All instruments and equipment (such as cups or oil bottle) will be cleaned and disinfected after each treatment.
  • All high-touch surfaces in between treatments (doorknobs, desk, iPad, payment system, etc.) will be cleaned and disinfected after each treatment.

PAYMENTS + BOOKINGS
In every effort to remain contactless, I will be asking you to do as much online as possible for payments, receipting and bookings. If it is not possible, we will find the best solution together. I'd like to thank you in advance for your cooperation.

PAYMENTS:
  • eTransfers or TAP (wireless point of sale system) for Debit (preferred), Visa and MasterCard.
  • Personal cheques will not be accepted at this time.
 
DIGITAL RECEIPTS: A receipt will be emailed to you. Direct billing will still be accepted.  payment submission. Printed receipts are not encouraged, but will be available if you cannot accept an emailed version.
 
BOOKING: Booking will remain online. However you may text or email to book a treatment. Your next appointment may be booked prior to leaving the clinic.

​Please be aware  that there will be extra time between appointments to provide adequate cleaning and sanitizing between clients. 
 
NOTE:  Cancellation fees will be waived for all COVID-19 related cancellations.

RESOURCES

NOTE: If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me so we can discuss solutions or bring awareness to the issue together. As always, your interests and safety are at the forefront of my work, and our time together. I look forward to connecting with you soon.

​Anne's additional pandemic certifications

√ ​Infection + Prevention Control Canada
√ Ministry of Health
√ ​Worksite Safety Compliance Centre
​ 

DROP US A LINE

Let me know the best way to contact you and to stay in touch.

contact
e.  annethermt@gmail.com
w. annethermt.com
c.  519.777.5055 (text)
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Anne the RMT

address
76 Askin Street
​Wortley Village
​London, Ontario N6C 1E4