Ontario's lockdown advice for massage therapists is confusing - NOW Toronto

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Ontario's top doctor has said massages aren't allowed during lockdown – but the health ministry says otherwise

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Lockdown restrictions took effect in Toronto and Peel Region on November 23, but communication around what health-related practices can continue, including massage therapists, has been unclear.

At last Friday’s press conference announcing the lockdown for Ontario’s two hotspot regions, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams refrained from giving any specifics when asked about which personal care services would be closed.

Under the “grey” lockdown measures according to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, personal care services must close, including nail salons and hair salons.

A reporter asked Williams about massage therapists, among other services, and where the province is drawing the line between essential and non-essential services. Williams didn’t address massage therapists directly.

“The point we’re emphasizing is essential services,” he said, adding that dentists can book an appointment for a patient seeking emergency services. Williams explained the province would put out more information addressing specific services.

However, on Monday morning Williams did an interview on the lockdown protocols on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning. When asked if people can get a massage, he said, “No, because it’s face-to-face contact.”

But a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health has confirmed to NOW that massage therapists can continue to operate during the 28-day lockdown in Toronto and Peel Region.

The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) is also advising registered massage therapists to continue practising.

Dr. Williams reported falsely that you cannot get a massage during this lockdown. Registered Massage Therapists are among the Regulated Health Professions in Ontario. We follow strict protocols to provide care safely during this time and are not affected by this lockdown.

— Spring Wellness Clinic (@springwellnessc) November 24, 2020

@TBayMOH I need clarification. You stated on the cbc that people couldn't go to massages. It was my understanding based on @CollegeofMT tweets that RMTs can operate with the exception of those working in spas or gyms. RMTs are under the RHPA just like chiros and PTs. @fordnation

— alfie vente (@alfievrmtdac) November 24, 2020

How is it accurate news when Dr David Williams, the chief medical officer doesn’t even know that Massage Therapists are a Regulated Health Profession and in fact ARE able to work during Toronto and Peels lockdown? Get the facts RIGHT at least!

— Alison Stone (@alirmt) November 24, 2020

“Under the lockdown level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, regulated health professionals including massage therapists, dentists, optometrists, chiropractic services, ophthalmologists, physical and occupational therapists and podiatrists are able to operate,” the Ministry of Health confirmed in a statement.

The CMTO noted in an update to members that while massage therapists are not directly impacted by the lockdown restrictions, some massage therapists who work in spas or gyms will be impacted as those businesses must close.

NOW has reached out to the Ministry of Health regarding additional clarification around massage therapy services during lockdown and on Williams’ comments to Metro Morning.

@nowtoronto

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Julia Mastroianni

Julia Mastroianni’s first attempt at writing resulted in the first 20 pages of a novel that she promptly abandoned, a year after starting, at age nine, because she couldn't bear to read her own work. Since then, she’s completed assignments at various publications, including Post City Magazines and the National Post.