COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 

(Last Updated - February 10, 2021)

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change rapidly, as does the information available regarding directives and recommendations. MTAM is working tirelessly to convey information and develop resources for you to effectively manage through this pandemic.

The MTAM office has re-opened by appointment only at this time. Please email info@mtam.mb.ca for an appointment. Individuals will be asked screening questions prior to entering the office and are encouraged to wear a mask and respect physical distancing guidelines.

This page is dedicated to COVID-19 information and is available on the public side of the website so that you and your staff can easily access the information. Other resources are specific to MTAM members and are found in the Member Portal under the Business Tips & Practice Advice section. We encourage you to check these pages daily to look for new and/or updated information.

Menu

Latest Updates
Pandemic Response System - Restrictions by Region
Self-Isolation and Travel - Updated January 26th
State of Emergency Extended - Updated February 2nd
MTAM Return to Practice Guidelines
COVID-19 Practice FAQ - Updated January 26th
Additional Resources

  
Financial Supports - UPDATED October 8
Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB), Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), and Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) - UPDATED October 8
Federal/Provincial/Municipal Announcements
Clinical Information
Business Supports
General Pandemic Information
 

Latest Covid-19 Updates

Vaccination Program Update - announced February 10th

(Added February 10th)

In order to build capacity and prepare for an unprecedented immunization campaign, the province has expanded the list of professions that will be able to protect Manitobans by administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

Currently there is sufficient staff in place to administer the available vaccine. However, plans have been put in place to allow other professions including Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) to be trained to administer the vaccine at designated supersites as needed. 

MTAM supports the proactive nature of this plan and looks forward to receiving more information as it becomes available.

As soon as the Province’s staffing needs increase and RMTs are eligible to apply for Immunization Clinic positions, MTAM will notify members of the application procedure and other details.

Throughout the pandemic, MTAM members have been eager to help support our healthcare system in the fight against COVID-19. As more vaccine becomes available, we will be happy to step up when our profession is called on to help fill immunization clinic roles.

Easing of restrictions in Manitoba takes effect on February 12th

(Added February 9th)

The Premier of Manitoba and the Chief Public Health Officer announced on February 9th that public health restrictions would be further eased beginning Friday, February 12th.

This announcement will not change the practice of massage therapy by RMTs. There are no capacity restrictions in place. RMTs should continue to follow all sanitation, hygiene, screening and PPE protocols and ensure proper physical distancing in the common areas of your clinic.

Since the Phase 1 reopening in May 2020, throughout the following 9 months and with the updated orders beginning on February 12th, RMTs have been permitted to provide massage therapy as therapeutic care to Manitobans. 

During this time, MTAM Members have continued to follow Public Health Orders, MTAM best practice guidelines and have taken precautions in their practices to provide safe, effective massage therapy treatments to Manitobans.

MTAM Members are committed to making a positive contribution to the health and well-being of Manitobans.

Read the updated Public Health Order on the Government of Manitoba website.

 

Government of Manitoba - Pandemic Response System

Beginning Monday, November 9th the Southern Health Region will be elevated to the Red/Critical level. The Winnipeg Metropolitan Health Region remains at the Red/Critical levels and the rest of Manitoba (Eastern/Interlake, Prairie Mountain and Northern regions) remain at the Orange/Restricted level. These restrictions will be in place for a minimum of the next 2 weeks.

Please visit the Government of Manitoba Pandemic Response System website and the Pandemic Response by Region page to learn about the specific responses for your region. MTAM will also email updates to members on RMT specific information as response levels change in each region.

Back to menu

Self-Isolation and Travel

MTAM recommends that RMTs and massage therapy clients should be mindful of current provincial and federal travel restrictions and self-isolation requirements. 

On January 26th, the Government of Manitoba announced new self-isolation guidelines. Beginning January 29th all individuals entering/re-entering Manitoba must self-isolate for 14 days. Non-essential travel is discouraged.

Read the full bulletin here.

Full details on all other travel restrictions and self-isolation can be found on the Government of Manitoba and Government of Canada websites. 

MTAM members should also refer to the Return to Practice guidelines for further information on self-isolation and travel.

We ask that massage therapy clients be understanding of RMTs and clinics that may need to implement more stringent policies for their practices. Every practice is different and staff may need to take additional precautions to minimize the risk of transmition to their clients and staff. Please discuss any concerns that you may have with your RMT and/or clinic.

Back to menu

The Government Of Manitoba Extends The State Of Emergency For An Additional 30 Days

The Manitoba Government has extended the provincewide State of Emergency under The Emergency Measures Act to continue to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The extension takes effect at 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 2nd for a period of 30 days.

A State of Emergency allows the Government to take quick action to support Manitobans when they need it most. 
 
For additional information and to view the State of Emergency and public health orders, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/soe.html.

For more information on The Emergency Measures Act and a State of Emergency, visit:
https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/e080e.php.

Back to menu

Federal, Provincial and Municipal Government Announcements
This section contains regular announcements or declarations by both Federal and Provincial Governments.

Back to menu

Clinical Information
This section contains information on clinical resources available to practitioners based on Shared Health Manitoba, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the World Health Organization.

Back to menu

Small Business Resources and Employment Insurance
This section contains information on how to manage the pandemic as a small business owner, including your responsibilities to your employees and what government supports will be available to employees and self-employed individuals. This is an area that we expect to evolve rapidly in the next few weeks as government support plans become more fully developed.

Financial Supports

Business Supports

Back to menu

General Pandemic Information
This section provides links to trusted sources on the pandemic and a link to travel advisories that affect all Canadians.

Back to menu

Additional Resources 

Back to menu