UPDATE! So I’ve just received an email from the NHPC regarding the new requirements. While there are still some things undecided they did note that there will be new PPE requirements coming into effect on January 4th, 2021. This will require that I purchase new PPE and I will be updating on my site as new information arises. As of right now, I am working under the impression that I will be going back to work on January 5th (enough time for supplies to arrive and folks to get their prescriptions/referrals in order). The booking site will reflect this by January 1st, 2021.
Yesterday the Alberta government announced the reopening of Massage Therapy with the new restriction that you must have a referral/letter from either a Doctor, Chiropractor, or Physiotherapist. The details have not been added to the Alberta Government's website and our associations are diligently working on the extended protocols so there are still many questions. However I thought it would be a good idea to bring this up now so that folks have time to acquire the appropriate prescription or referral from a physician or other regulated health professional. I’m under the impression that I will need to add a copy of the note/letter to your file, thankfully a photo or pdf scan of it is very easy for me to upload to your JaneApp account.
Unfortunately, with the lack of other information right now I won’t be opening up my schedule immediately. The first available appointments will be in early January with the caveat that I may still need to cancel these appointments if the situation changes. If you were one of the clients who’s appointment I had to cancel in January and you have a doctors note, please send an email with a photo/pdf of the note and I will add it to your file and put your appointment back into the schedule.
I do want to assure everyone that, as far as we know, there have been no cases of Covid-19 transmitted via massage therapy appointments. While we are in close contact, everyone at Placare is diligent about cleaning and PPE protocols. Massage therapists were initially included in this shutdown because we are still in the process of forming a regulatory college (unlike physiotherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic who already have this body formed). My fingers are crossed that in the years to come a regulatory college will be formed and massage therapy can have more clearly stated regulations and protocols for situations like this.
I have a great deal of respect for the health team in Alberta for their hard work in figuring out how to keep us safe. I’m also very thankful for all of my clients and their understanding in how unpredictable this year has been.
I hope you’re all enjoying your holiday time with your family and that the next year brings us all a bit more stability and joy.