COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN

Purpose:
This plan has been outlined to ensure that everyone in our practice environment is aware of our safety measures. In order for our door to stay open we need to make sure that the public is aware of the measures we are taking. In this document you will find how we are lining up with our regulatory body’s “enhanced protocols”, including:

Pre-screening descriptions
Physical distancing strategies
Hand hygiene and cleaning protocols

1.Self-Assess & Pre-Screen
Prior to arrival, a link to the BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment (which includes asking if you have traveled outside British Columbia in the previous 14 days) will be attached to your “2-day reminder email”, making it convenient for you to determine whether or not it is advisable to cancel your appointment before the 24 hour policy. Pre-screening will also be attached to your “2-hour reminder Text/SMS”. Don’t worry, if your attendance is compromised due to a change in your health as our cancellation policies account for this exemption. Practitioners also commit to staying home/cancelling appointments if they flunk their daily self assessment. We promise to be consistent and honest with this, and ask the same from our patients.

2. Physical Distancing
Mount Ida Massage is a one room clinic located in a shared space inside the Kula Wellness center. Practitioners and staff in this space clearly communicate with one another about how we can keep ourselves, and patrons 2 metres/6 feet apart.

Be advised: we are no longer using the waiting room and patients must arrive unaccompanied (unless patient is a minor who requires parent/guardian, or infirm and needs assistance). Massage appointments have been staggered to allow enough time for your therapist to come greet you once we know you’ve arrived. Our booking system also allows for self check-in (If you do not own a cell phone, don't fret! We will gladly make a note on your file and greet you a few minutes prior to your start time). This makes the process easy for you, and allows us to spend more time on our clients rather than running to-and-from the door to spy on who’s waiting! Here’s how to do it:

Find the signage located on the exterior window for Mount Ida Massage. Simply visit the URL posted on the signage or point your mobile device at the QR code to begin
Select your check-in option.

WASHROOM FOR PATIENT USE: Our facilities have been paired down to a singular occupancy washroom, regularly sanitized and equipped with appropriate hygiene signage and toiletries.

ELEVATORS/STAIRS: Both continue to be operational, with appropriate physical distancing and sanitation.

3. Hand Hygiene

RECEPTION/ENTRY: Everyone will wash their hands and/or sanitize upon arrival and departure of the clinic. Soap is available in the washroom, and alcohol based sanitizer is provided for you. If hands are visibly soiled, they must be cleaned with soap and water as opposed to using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand-washing protocols are followed by therapists, and are posted in reception area, in the treatment room, and at sinks.

IN THE TREATMENT ROOM: Frequently touched surfaces (ie. door handle, point of sale system, furnishings, and controls) are sanitized after each use. Avoid touching or adjusting masks while in use. If you must, clean hands prior to and immediately after removing mask. Payment is available by wireless point of sale or adding a credit card to your file (cash is not preferred but may be handled carefully). Your receipt will be emailed unless otherwise requested.

It is not possible to maintain physical distancing in the treatment room.
Pre-screening, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and enhanced cleaning help reduce the risk of transmission, and enable return to practice while minimizing risk of harm.

4. Face Touching
Tissues are provided if an itch must be addressed. Viruses can be spread by touch if a person has used their hand/s to cover a cough or a sneeze.

5. Enhanced Cleaning
All therapists and staff will practice consistent cleaning protocols. This includes, but is not limited to:

Cleaning visibly soiled surfaces, followed by disinfection.
Cleaning and disinfect all high-touch surfaces in between patient treatments, regardless of appearance.
Laundering linens with hot soapy water after single use.
Frequently cleaning and disinfecting common areas and high touch surfaces (ie. light switches, window coverings, cell phones, tablets, chairs, stools, table surfaces).
Removing clutter and fabric coverings that cannot be sanitized after touch.
Ensuring the treatment room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between patients.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and mask use.

Public health authorities expect everyone to wear a mask in all public indoor spaces (e.g., clinic area, washrooms, and treatment room). You will not be required to wear a mask if you are physically unable (a medical note or other similar proof is not required and will not be demanded). Therapists will wear a mask while in the treatment room. Reminder: hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning, and avoidance of face touching are important, even when masks are worn. A paper/disposable mask is available for patient’s use if requested. Treatment positioning can be adjusted if necessary to allow for mask use at all times.

7. Professional Obligations
If your therapist is exhibiting signs of respiratory illness, including cough, runny nose or fever, they will not provide in-person care and therefore not be in attendance at the clinic.

NO DUTY TO RETURN TO PRACTICE: The decision to return to practice is a matter of individual judgment and requires that RMTs follow the guidance of governing bodies, including public health authorities.

Patient reports COVID-19 following treatment:

The RMT will immediately call public health at 8-1-1, report the alleged transmission, and follow the guidance of public health authorities.

8. Consent
RMTs have a professional obligation to obtain informed consent prior to treatment. This is not a new requirement, but communication about consent is significant in the context of COVID-19, which is why you will be reminded that: the RMT is following a protocol to reduce or mitigate risk of COVID-19 transmission, but that risk cannot be reduced to zero; the patient consents to treatment despite some risk; and the RMT documents the patient’s consent.

PATIENTS AT GREATER RISK:

Take additional precautions, contact your primary health care provider to discuss alternatives for care, postpone treatment – explore options. We are happy to provide massage therapy when you and the therapist agree that the benefits of care outweigh the risk to the patient. In this case, reach out to your RMT to discuss options and secure low risk treatment times.

Patients who are HEALTH CARE WORKERS (HCWs) who have been EXPOSED to patients with COVID-19 or Patients WH: Notify your RMT so they can consult the risk assessment tool (BCCDC’s Exposures and return to work for health care workers).