CMTBC has continued to receive inquiries about whether the Ministry of Health’s November 4 policy communiqué entitled Mask Use in Health Care Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic applies to RMTs.

This afternoon, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed in a letter to Registrars of BC health regulatory colleges that a medical masking mandate (as set out in the communiqué) DOES NOT apply to allied health professionals, including RMTs, who practice in community settings.

Dr. Henry advises that registrants working in these settings continue to follow COVID-19 safety plans developed for their return to practice in May 2020, using guidance provided by their regulatory college. This includes the critical step of pre-screening all patients for COVID-19 in advance and maintaining appropriate distancing in waiting areas.

Dr. Henry’s letter can be viewed here.

CMTBC will continue to update its Interim Guidelines for Return to Practice and FAQs as required. Dr. Henry has asked that practitioners – particularly those in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions – review, update and rigorously follow their COVID-19 safety plans.