Registered massage therapists (RMTs) in British Columbia are expected to take reasonable steps to manage health and safety for everyone in their practice environment; this includes preventing the transmission of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.
*** RMTs are reminded that if they are exhibiting signs of a communicable disease or if they are waiting for a COVID test result, they must not provide in-person care and should not be in attendance at clinics or other practice settings where other staff and patients are present.
Getting a Massage Therapy Treatment in British Columbia During The Covid-19 Pandemic
When booking a massage in BC, patients can expect the following:
- You will not get treated if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have recently been with someone who has/had COVID-19. If this is the case, you must not get a massage. Instead, you must stay at home, call 8-1-1 to arrange Coronavirus testing.
- Hand hygiene must be followed. Patients must wash or sanitize their hands upon entry to the massage therapy practice environment.
- All massage therapists and staff are expected to practice consistent cleaning protocols. As with routine practice, the RMT will thoroughly wash their hands ,forearms and elbows with soap and water between clients. They are to ensure that massage equipment and supplies ( lotion bottles, table, table levers, hydrotherapy supplies, etc.), and treatment rooms are thoroughly cleaned between patients.
- RMTs are required to renew written consent with each patient returning for massage therapy. If it is your first time getting a massage therapy treatment within the Covid-19 environment, your RMT is required to obtain a signed informed consent in the new context of care which includes the risk of transmission of COVID-19 virus.
- You will be required to wear a mask. The RMT can refuse treatment to a patient who refuses to wear a mask. Public health authorities in BC require the use of masks in public indoor settings for all individuals aged 12+. The recent Public Health Officer order requiring the use of masks applies to both the RMT and the patient at all times – including during treatment. RMTs are reminded that compliance with public health guidance is compulsory.
- RMTs can choose to to limit their practice to only those patients who are fully vaccinated. If an RMT limits practice to those who are fully vaccinated, patients must be advised of this decision prior to presenting for their appointment.
- On Covid-19 Vaccination Status: Patients are not required to disclose their vaccination status to the RMT. If a patient chooses not to disclose their vaccination status, the RMT can choose not to treat them.
For more information please visit:
ORDER OF THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER (Pursuant to Sections 30, 31, 32, 39 (3), 53, 54 (1) (h), 67 (2) and 69 Public Health Act, S.B.C. 2008) FACE COVERINGS (COVID-19) – December 3, 2021: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-face-coverings.pdf
Practice Environment Standard of Practice: https://www.cmtbc.ca/law-standards/standards-of-practice/practice-environment-standard-of-practice/
FAQs: RMTs’ Return to Practice, Interim Guidelines (COVID-19): https://www.cmtbc.ca/registrants/faqs-rmts-return-to-practice-interim-guidelines/
Interim Guidelines for Return to Practice (COVID-19): https://www.cmtbc.ca/registrants/interim-guidelines-for-return-to-practice/
