Ellien Fulgar, RMT

As a regulated healthcare provider, massage therapists are permitted to continue treating throughout the shutdown. In my practice, I am committed to strict sanitation protocol and all of my patients have been diligent with the covid-19 safety protocols. All things considered, I completely understand if you would feel more comfortable staying home right now. I will be here when you need your treatment. ... Please stay home as much as you can and let's continue doing our part to keep our community safe.

You don't need to buy anything from a small business in Toronto to show them your support

Yesterday morning in an interview on CBC, Dr. Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, stated that massage therapy was not allowed in the locked dow...n areas, which was an inaccurate statement. Registered Massage Therapists are able to continue to practice in lockdown regions following the same precautions they followed throughout the course of the pandemic. On a call with the Ministry Emergency Operations Centre this morning, which typically includes Dr. Williams and other senior ministry officials, Michael Feraday, RMTAO Executive Director, pointed out that this comment was inaccurate and misleading, and requested that Dr. Williams provide clarification in the media. A statement will be made by the Government today in the media correcting this misstatement. In addition, the Ministry of Health has confirmed to other media sources and to health regulatory colleges that regulated health professionals are able to continue to operate. Regrettably this has caused confusion with the public and in the profession. The Ministry’s position is that regulated health professions like RMTs and all other 26 regulated health professions continue to provide essential services to their patients. The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario has provided strict guidelines for RMT that ensure safety. The RMTAO is advocating forcefully to ensure that this messaging is understood and reinforced.

RMTs in all regions of Ontario can continue to offer massage therapy services. It's a great time to review the precautions that RMTs take to keep themselves and their patients safe.