May 15th, 2020

Below is the protocol developed by Elva Massage Therapy based on the criteria provided by the CMTBC, WorkSafeBC and the Provincial Health Officer. This protocol is set in place to keep you, I and our community safe. Do not hesitate share concerns or ask questions.

Prior to Arrival:

***All patients are required to complete the BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool prior to their appointment.***
https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en

In addition, Meaghan Jones will contact patients the day prior to their scheduled appointment to inquire about presence of COVID-19 symptoms. Also, to assure that the patient has not been outside of British Columbia for the past 14 days.

If you have any of the following symptoms please do not schedule an appointment.

• Fever - *Average normal body temperature taken orally is about 37°C.
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat and painful swallowing
• Stuffy or runny nose

• Loss of sense of smell
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

 
Please note that symptoms can range from mild to severe. Sometimes people with COVID-19 have mild illness, but their symptoms may suddenly worsen in a few days. People infected with COVID-19 may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting a few days after the onset of the above symptoms. It you only have gastrointestinal symptoms you may not have COVID-19.
 
Upon Arrival:
Upon arrival patients will be required to complete a Covid-19 self-questionnaire confirming or ruling out the presence of COVID-19 symptoms. This form must be completed at the clinic and witnessed by Meaghan. 
 
***What to expect***

1. Physical Distancing

• I, Meaghan Jones am the only practitioner working out of the Elva Massage Therapy clinic space.
• All surfaces will be sanitized between patient visits. Any surfaces that cannot be disinfected has been removed from the treatment room.
• There will be a 30min interval between appointments to prevent patients from interacting and to allow time to disinfect the space.
• Patients are required to wait in their vehicle until the entrance sign is green and reads “Welcome” If red please remain in your vehicle. See the photos below.
• Meaghan will open the door to welcome you and at the end of the appointment. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and is required that the patient use the hand sanitizer pre and post treatment.

Treatment Room

• Due to the nature of Massage Therapy appointments it will not be possible to maintain social distancing once the treatment has begun.
• We will be relying on pre-screening, hand hygiene and enhanced cleaning to minimize the risk of harm.

Washroom for Patient Use

• Use of the washroom is strongly discouraged at this time.

 
2. Hand Hygiene

• Patients are required to use the provided hand sanitizer upon arrival and prior to departure from the treatment space.
• Meaghan will use alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout treatments and wash hands using soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds between appointments.
• Payment will be through direct billing, credit card or e-transfer to avoid unnecessary contact. Cash is not preferred but may be handled provided that anyone doing so sanitizes their hands immediately afterwards.
• Receipts will be emailed to patient – written receipts will no longer be issued.

 
3. Face Touching Avoidance

• ‘No face touching’ is encouraged; coronavirus can be spread by touch if a person has used their hand/s to cover a cough or a sneeze.
• Please use a tissue if an itch must be addressed. Tissues will be available to patients.
• Masks are not required; however, if a patient feels more comfortable with one, they are encouraged to bring their own. Basic masks will be available in the treatment room.
  
• To ensure safety at the highest standard, Meaghan will always wear a mask.
  

4. Enhanced Cleaning

• All high-touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected in between patients, regardless of appearance.
• Linens (including blankets) are single use only, then laundered in hot soapy water.
• All equipment and supplies will be cleaned and disinfected immediately after each patient.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Paper/disposable (surgical) masks will be available for patient’s use if requested, and for RMT’s use if patient requests it.
• Donning and doffing mask: disinfect prior to putting on a mask, disinfect hands prior to taking off a mask, and after disposing of a mask in the garbage (paper/disposable).
• Gloves, protective goggles and masks will be available PPE for RMT use if the patient requests their use. PPE is not a requirement through the PHO and CMTBC unless the patient requests the RMT to use PPE. I, Meaghan Jones will always wear a mask and ask the patient at the beginning of each appointment what their comfort level is with other PPE. As always, at any time during the treatment the patient can change their mind of their preferences.