COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 

(Last updated – August 2020)

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State of Emergency Extended  |  PHASE 4  |  MTAM Return to Practice Guidelines - UPDATED Aug 12 | Non-Critical Business Closure | Federal/Provincial/Municipal Announcements | Clinical Information | Financial Supports | Business Supports | General Pandemic Information | Additional Resources

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.

August 12th - 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., Wednesday, August 12 for a period of 30 days.

In the coming months, as the number of active cases rise and fall throughout the province, RMTs should continually review procedures in their practices and take steps to minimize risk of transmission wherever possible.

MTAM strongly recommend that all members continue to follow the use of PPE including the use of masks for both RMTs and patients, enhanced sanitization procedures and other recommendations as described in the MTAM Return to Practice Guidelines as well as the guidelines set forth by the province's Safe Services Plan. This recommendation is made for the safety of our members and all Manitobans.

MTAM will update members via our website and by email if public health orders, guidelines or restrictions change and if there are any changes in MTAM's recommendations to members.

A State of Emergency allows the Government to take quick action to support Manitobans when they need it most. The State of Emergency was first declared on March 20 by the powers set out in section 10(1) and 10(2) of The Emergency Measures Act to enable the province to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was further extended on April 18, May 17 and June 15.
 
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.

Phase 4 The Province confirms Phase 4 Plans and start date of July 25th.

The Government of Manitoba confirmed on July 23rd that Phase 4  of the Restoring Safe Services Plan will begin on July 25th.

The previously proposed change regarding the lifting of travel restrictions and self-isolation for travellers will not proceed and has been deferred at this time.

This means that individuals travelling into Manitoba from eastern and southern Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada as well as international travellers must continue to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Manitoba.

RMTs should continue to remind their patients who have travelled to any of those areas, to self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms before attending a massage therapy appointment.

Minister Friesen and Dr. Roussin remind us that the Phase 4 Plan changes are in addition to those introduced in Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3. If public health results deteriorate or guidelines are not sufficient, Phase 4 measures may be paused and previous measures may be re-introduced.

The Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM) recognizes that the gradual re-opening involves multifaceted considerations, primarily the safety of the public and of its members, and is there to provide guidance and support. 

MTAM members are advised to continue to follow The Restoring Safe Services Plan guidelines and the additional recommendations in the MTAM Return to Practice Guidelines. In particular:

  • Continue to use recommended PPE for both public and RMT safety;
  • Continue to ensure people are able to reasonably maintain two metres of distance;
  • Only conducting necessary and brief exchanges within two metres of others;
  • Continue to apply enhanced cleaning protocols, including common areas like washrooms;
  • Continue to allow appropriate time between appointments for sanitization;
  • Continue to use the Shared Health Screening Tool for patients prior to treatments and for staff before they come to work;
  • Ensure staff stay home when feeling sick; and
  • Follow personal risk reduction measures.

Public safety has always been of utmost concern for MTAM and its members. Patients are encouraged to contact their RMT with any treatment-related questions. MTAM members are aware of screening and safety procedures and can answer questions or direct patients to contact Health Links as appropriate. 

“MTAM members are committed to providing professional healthcare and delivering profound results,” says MTAM Board President Tami Laird. “They care about the safety of their patients and the public, and about upholding the guidelines and protocols to ensure we continue to flatten the curve. MTAM and its Board of Directors fully support members, whether they have already returned to work, or if they are taking additional time to prepare. We are in this together.” 

MTAM encourages members to watch the Returning to Practice webinar, and to refer to the MTAM website COVID-19 page and Member Portal for updates and other resources. They may also contact MTAM for individual practice advice when needed.

 

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

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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.

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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

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

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Additional Resources 

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