Updates: Massage therapy and COVID-19

Last update: 6 May 2022 at 1pm

End of mandatory mask use?

A significant number of massage therapists and facility managers are wondering how to interpret the announcement of the end of mandatory mask wearing on May 14, 2022.

Respect for free choice

“What I want to say to Quebecers is that we will have to respect those who will keep it. […] If we feel more comfortable in all kinds of situations, those who want to take it off, that will be their choice, those who want to keep it on, it’s a question of respect,” Christian Dubé, Minister of Health.

Even if it is no longer mandatory, the recommendation of the mask remains due to the constant proximity of the massage therapist and his client. The instructions place great emphasis on respect for free choice, discernment and civic mindedness. The FQM team remains vigilant to any updates that may be made later on government websites. We invite you to take this news not as a source of stress, but as an opening towards more flexibility. There is no question of stopping to wear the mask if you, as a massage therapist, feel safer with it, nor is there any question of clients no longer wearing it if they are vulnerable.

Mandatory masking in certain settings and with vulnerable people

Of course, professionals working in certain environments (health foundations, hospitals, CHSLDs, etc.) or in contact with vulnerable people (e.g. immunosuppressed people) are asked to maintain the same level of precaution by keeping the mask on. If you do not work in one of these structures or in contact with a vulnerable or even “worried” clientele, it might be appropriate to continue wearing the mask to greet the clientele, and then to ask if the person agrees to its removal, if necessary. It should be remembered that it is more the place where massage therapy is practised than the profession as such that determines the obligation to wear the mask. The recommendation remains valid at all times.

For schools (valid for the IFMQ) and employers

The FQM advises that it is preferable to maintain high standards of protection and hygiene. However, if you feel it is safe to remove the mask with a limited number of people in a restricted bubble, you have the choice to do so. Just be sure to respect everyone’s limits, especially if one or more people prefer higher protective measures. Note that employers can continue to require masks to be worn in their companies. Also keep in mind that government and public health recommendations may continue to evolve as the epidemic recovers or not.

For any questions regarding COVID-19 and isolation guidelines

Considering the high contagiousness of the latest variants of COVID-19 and the frequent adjustments in isolation guidelines, we invite you to consult the When to isolate (COVID-19) section on Québec.ca directly to find out what measures apply to your situation. You can also call the Info-COVID line at 1-877-644-4545.

In closing, note that it is still time to make an appointment to receive your third dose of the COVID vaccine.

Last update: 10 March 2022 at 12:40

Latest news: mask, vaccine passport and others

Withdrawal of the use of the vaccine passport

As of March 12, the vaccination passport will be lifted for all places and activities, except for international travel, places and activities covered by federal authorities.

It should be noted that the vaccination passport is not required to receive massage therapy.

Wearing a mask is still required for massage therapy

Despite the recently announced relief concerning the wearing of masks in the workplace, the CNESST specifies that the wearing of a mask remains required when the distance of one metre cannot be respected. Since a distance of one metre is impossible during a massage therapy treatment, the mask must still be worn by massage therapists and clients.

A gradual lifting of the mask requirement in public places is expected by mid-April. However, we do not know if and when this will apply to massage therapy. We will keep you informed as soon as we have more details.

Return to full capacity for personal care businesses

Personal care businesses, including those offering massage therapy, can now receive their clients at 100% of their capacity (Québec.ca). In addition, as of March 12, the capacity limit (50%) in spas and saunas will be lifted (see the table of reliefs as of March 12, 2022 published by the Government of Québec).

Massage after receiving a vaccine

If one of your clients has just received a vaccine against COVID-19, it is recommended that you avoid massaging the injection area for 24 to 48 hours following the administration of the vaccine. Unless there are significant side effects from the vaccine (e.g. fever), there is no need to reschedule the massage appointment. Note that this recommendation applies to all vaccines.

For questions regarding COVID-19 and isolation guidelines

Considering the high contagiousness of the Omicron strain and the frequent adjustments in isolation instructions, we invite you to consult the When to isolate (COVID-19) section on Québec.ca directly to find out what measures apply to your situation. You can also call the Info-COVID line at 1-877-644-4545.

In closing, note that it is still time to make an appointment to receive your third dose of the COVID vaccine.

Last update: February 3, 2022 at 8 p.m.

Reopening of spas and other COVID information

Reopening of the spas on 14 February 2022

In a press conference on February 1st, the Premier of Quebec announced the reopening of spas on February 14th. As stated on the Québec.ca website, spas will be able to welcome clients again, but at 50% of their capacity. At the same time, it should be noted that massage therapy treatments have been available in spas for several weeks.

Massage after receiving a vaccine

If one of your clients has just received a vaccine against COVID-19, it is recommended to avoid massaging the injection area for 24 to 48 hours following the administration of the vaccine. Unless there are significant side effects from the vaccine (e.g. fever), there is no need to reschedule the massage appointment. Note that this recommendation applies to all vaccines.

For questions regarding COVID-19 and isolation guidelines

In closing, note that it is still time to make an appointment to receive your third dose of the COVID vaccine.

Last update: January 14, 2022 at 10:00 am

End of curfew, eye protection, goodwill, closure Sunday 16 January

End of curfew

At a press conference on January 13, the Premier of Quebec announced that the curfew would no longer be in effect as of Monday, January 17. Following a request from us, the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services confirmed that massage therapists are exempt from the curfew if the services provided are requested for health reasons. To this effect, the president of the FQM, Mrs. Sylvie Bédard, has obtained a written confirmation presented above.

Health reasons include physical and mental health problems (see this government website). Until the curfew is lifted on Monday, we encourage our members to adjust their hours of service to respect it.

Optional eye protection

The government’s response asks FQM members to respect the health measures required by the CNESST. Since the CNESST considers that eye protection is not necessary except in certain high-risk environments, and despite the INSPQ’s recommendation that eye protection be worn, we invite our members to verify the risks of propagation in their work environment and exercise their best judgment as health care workers.

However, the massage therapist must continue to respect all infection prevention and control measures (quality mask at all times, hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, triage of clients with symptoms, etc.), regardless of their vaccination status. Massage therapists who work in health care institutions (e.g., health foundations, hospitals, CHSLDs) must respect the rules of these institutions, which may vary from one location to another.

Traffic at 50% of capacity and closure on Sunday, January 16

In its response to the FQM, the government did not take a position on the issue of traffic at 50% of capacity and the closing of businesses on Sunday, January 16, the last Sunday on which businesses must close their doors.

The FQM has asked for more details on the traffic figures and we will inform you as soon as possible.

As a reminder, the Quebec government website states: “Personal care businesses (hair salons, massage therapy centres, etc.) must make appointments in order to limit their traffic to 50% of their capacity. Spas and saunas are closed, but they can continue to offer personal care. All these businesses are closed to the public on Sundays.

Vaccination passport (possible)

At a press conference on 6 January 2022, Health Minister Christian Dubé mentioned the possibility of imposing a vaccination passport on clients of personal care services, without saying anything more for the moment.

Given the information provided by the authorities, which is sometimes difficult to interpret, we understand that it is difficult for you, the massage therapists, to know what measures to comply with. To support you in your work, the FQM is constantly in contact with government representatives to clarify the situation. In addition, we are mobilizing to defend the interests of all massage therapists, regardless of where they work, as true health care workers. This has been part of the FQM’s mission since its creation in 1979.

Finally, note that you can now make an appointment to receive your third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as a health care worker (those in the private sector are eligible in the same way as those in the public sector).

Last update: 6 January 2022 at 3pm

Vaccine passport (possible), 50% traffic and Sunday services

Vaccine passport (possible)

At a press conference on January 6, 2022, Health Minister Christian Dubé spoke of the possibility of imposing the vaccine passport on personal care clients, without saying more for the moment. Obviously, the FQM will provide you with more information when we have more details, but several elements lead us to believe that massage therapists working in spas and massage therapy centres will be affected. Despite the FQM’s representations in favour of including all massage therapists in therapeutic and health care, it seems that the government still categorizes some massage therapists as working in the personal care sector. As such, we prefer to advise our spa and massage therapy members now of any government action that may be forthcoming.

Shopping at 50% capacity and services on Sundays

However, there is another announcement that applies immediately. It concerns goodwill in commercial enterprises and the provision of services on Sundays. In the absence of clear directives from the government regarding our sector, but in light of the elements contained in the announcement, we will make a prudent interpretation.

The Quebec government is promoting a reduction in contacts, i.e. a reduction in the number of people in the same place at the same time.

For the massage therapy sector, it seems to us that distinctions are made according to the place of work.

– Spa or massage therapy centre: obligation to make an appointment in order to limit their traffic to 50% of their capacity (see Government of Quebec website). For example, if 4 cabins or massage rooms are normally available, only 2 could be used at the same time. These businesses must be closed to the public on Sundays

– Care in the client’s home or in a private office: no change appears to be required.

– Health facility (e.g. hospital, CHSLD) and multidisciplinary health clinic (e.g. physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc.): no change appears to be required.

Last update: December 31, 2021 at 11:00 am

Curfew and recent government announcements

The very worrying rise in cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations has led, among other things, to the return of the curfew for an indefinite period. Although the hours of the curfew (10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) are not likely to greatly affect massage therapy services, the FQM wishes to provide clarification to its members. As was the case during the first curfew in early 2021, massage therapists may continue their professional activities. Unless otherwise directed by the government, massage therapists are allowed to continue their professional practice and are exempt from the curfew. This is because massage therapy services are included in therapeutic and health care, which are considered essential services.

For example, clients will be able to return from an appointment with their massage therapist after the curfew. The same applies to massage therapists who travel to work in the client’s home, clinic or spa (spa massage therapy services are still permitted).

Attestations to be provided in the event of travel after 10 p.m.

Massage therapists working in a clinic or spa who travel after 10:00 p.m. may be required to provide proof. The attestation for travel during curfew (employer) issued by the Government of Quebec may be completed by the employer.

For massage therapists who travel to the home or for massage therapy clients, proof of appointment, membership card, receipt or invoice may be acceptable. You may also complete forms for :

massage therapist travel (Massage Therapist Curfew Travel Form)

client travel (Curfew Travel Form – Client).

In the event of a police stop during the curfew period, massage therapists and clients will have to justify the reason for the trip with a set of evidence. Since the burden of proof is on the citizen, the police will determine the validity of the evidence.

As it has done since the beginning of the sanitary measures, the FQM urges its members to follow the instructions of public health authorities in order to contain the pandemic.

Consult the Government of Quebec website for more details.

Last update: December 21, 2021 at 5pm

Massage therapists are still allowed to practice

The worrying increase in cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations has prompted the Quebec government to tighten health measures. However, massage therapists can continue their professional activities, including in spas, where personal care is maintained. Moreover, unless the government decides otherwise, massage therapy is still considered an essential health service, along with other professions providing therapeutic care in private practice. This was a major victory for the FQM’s political advocacy efforts in 2020 and the entire profession benefited.

Today, massage therapy activities continue regardless of where you work. Therefore, under no circumstances can a client question your right to practice.

Faced with the rise in COVID-19 variants that had already been observed for several months, the FQM had adopted a responsible posture as a true ally in the continuum of health care in Quebec. Still relying on the latest INSPQ opinions, we maintain the latest recommendations encouraging the continuous wearing of eye protection and quality masks, as well as the provision of masks to clients, hand hygiene, etc. We make it our duty to do so, as much for the sake of the health of our clients as for the sake of the health of our patients. We make it our duty, both for the protection of the public and for our members, who wish to be taken seriously as health care workers.

Rest assured that your Federation will always communicate with you the most recent, reliable and rigorous news issued by the public health authorities.

Please note that the Quebec government is encouraging “health and social services workers of all ages” to receive their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. For more details on the priorities for the third dose, we invite you to contact the vaccination sites in your region.

Last update: 29 October 2021 at 12:00

Increased health measures: eye protection is once again mandatory for massage therapists

The Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) has recently increased its recommendations for care in private practice in the context of transmission of COVID-19 variants. The main change to the health measures for massage therapists is the return of the obligation to wear eye protection at all times during a massage therapy treatment

It should be noted that it is still recommended that clients be provided with a quality mask (procedure mask) instead of a face shield, due to the proximity and duration of the massage. However, the client’s mask could be removed in certain circumstances, for example when the client is lying on their stomach or when you are massaging their face.

Our recommendations are based on those of the INSPQ, which can be found on the page Therapeutic care in private practice – preventive measures of the COVID-19.

Last update: September 27, 2021 (12h10 PM)

Vaccination recommended but not mandatory, with exceptions

In a general manner, the Government of Quebec is encouraging the entire population to be vaccinated. However, in its decree of September 24, 2021, the government has excluded massage therapists as healthcare workers under vaccination obligation – except for those in work settings with the presence of vulnerable people. This confirms information broadcasted in the previous newsletter. Therefore, mandatory vaccination applies to massage therapists working in these work settings:

Family medicine groups (FMG)
Local community service centres (CLSC, in French)
Hospitals
Rehabilitation centres (please refer to document p.4 for definition)
Retirement homes and long-term care facilities, public, private unfunded and funded
Specific funded private establishments other than long-term care facilities (CHSLD)
Private retirement homes
Certain community groups and stakeholders that offer services to vulnerable people
Social economy enterprises in home care

Please view the complete list of the concerned settings and healthcare providers issued by the Government of Quebec.

It is important to reiterate that the FQM bases its recommendations on government guidelines.

Existing prevention and control measures are maintained, however.

Reminder

– Like their colleagues working in therapeutic care, massage therapists must continue to comply with all the infection prevention and control measures (wearing a quality mask at all times, practicing proper hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection surfaces, triaging clients with symptoms, etc.), regardless of their vaccine status.

– Eye protection is optional for massage therapists, but they must wear a quality mask.

– Providing clients with a quality mask, rather than a face covering, is also recommended, owing to the proximity and duration of the massage. The client’s mask can be removed under certain circumstances, for example when a client is lying on their stomach or when the massage therapist massages their face.

– Please note that massage therapists must change their quality mask every four hours (approximately) or sooner if the mask becomes moist, soiled or damaged.

Our recommendations are based on those of the INSPQ, which are available on the following Web pages: COVID-19: Interim Recommendations for Private Practice Therapeutic Care (in French), and COVID-19 : Recommandations générales pour les milieux de travail, hors milieux de soins, par palier d’alerte (in French).

Last update: February 16, 2021 (17h46 PM)

On February 12, 2021, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) updated its interim recommendations for care dispensed in a private office. The main changes applied to the practice of massage therapy are as follows:

Wearing a procedure mask is now recommended for massage therapy clients. Up to now, clients could choose to wear either a procedure mask or a face covering during massage therapy care. Effective February 12, 2021, the INSPQ recommends that all clients wear a good-quality procedure mask.
In order to meet the INSPQ quality requirements, procedure masks must meet the ASTM-F2100 standard. Masks that meet the EN 14683 (type IIR) standard can also be used.
In order to ensure the quality of procedure masks, the INSPQ recommends that massage therapists provide one to their clients a soon as they arrive for their massage therapy appointment.

Reminder

The INSPQ also recommends that massage therapists change their procedure mask every four hours (minimum) or more often if the mask becomes wet, soiled or damaged.

Please note that the obligation to wear a mask in closed public spaces (including massage therapy clinics) currently applies to all people aged 10 and over (recommended among kids aged 2 to 9). For further information concerning exclusions to this obligation, please go to the Québec.ca website. We have also updated the Guide de reprise des activités professionnelles des massothérapeutes agréé.e.s (Guide to the resumption of professional activities by certified massage therapists) in order to account for the updated recommendations of the INSPQ.

Curfew : Confirmation from the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec

(January 19, 2021)

Many of you have contacted us in recent days to find out if the curfew in force between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. applies to massage therapists in Quebec. In order to ensure that the information we share with you is accurate and valid, please read the confirmation email below, received from the offices of the Minister of Health and Social Services of Quebec on Monday, January 18, 2021. The email clearly states that massage therapy services are not targeted by the curfew and that they are subject to an exemption, as specified in the decree recently issued to that effect. This new confirmation is consistent with what we already mentioned in our press release dated January 8, 2021.

More details about the curfew and the tightening of public health measures

(January 8, 2021)

FQM members and massage therapists raised a number of questions in response to the announcement of stricter sanitary measures, effective until February 8, to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Quebec, including the curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. As mentioned in our press release issued on January 7, massage therapists are authorized to continue their professional activities.

Details concerning the curfew

As specified in an article published by Radio-Canada on January 7, 2021 and confirmed by a government decree, clients are authorized to go to, and return from, a massage therapist’s workplace, even after the curfew. The same applies to massage therapists going to a client’s home, a clinic or a spa for work purposes.

Proof of transportation after 8 p.m.

Massage therapists who work in a spa or a clinic after 8 p.m. may be required to present proof. The attestation – Déplacement durant le couvre-feu décrété par le gouvernement du Québec – can be completed by the employer (downloadable link – in French only).

For massage therapists going to a client’s home or for massage therapy clients, a proof of appointment, receipt, or invoice may be acceptable.

Reminder concerning massage therapy delivered in spas

While spas are closed, they are authorized to offer massage therapy care. However, it’s important to remember that the sale of products is prohibited while on the spa premises or in conjunction with the delivery of massage therapy services.

Update on containment and curfew from January 9 to February 8 inclusively

(January 7, 2021)

Massage therapists, including those who work in a spa, can continue their professional activities, in spite of stricter measures aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 across the province.

The Premier confirmed to the FQM that the decree authorizing the delivery of massage therapy services during the holiday period still applies.

The Government of Quebec also posted the following statement on its website: “These closures do not apply to professional healthcare workers (dentists, optometrists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, osteopaths, etc.), who can continue to carry out their activities. (Québec.ca)

Details concerning the curfew

The Government of Quebec issued the following statement: “Starting on Saturday, a curfew will be applied between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Between those hours, all residents are prohibited from leaving their homes, except in the event of exceptions that justify doing so, for example to receive health care, for humanitarian reasons, or to carry out priority work.” (Québec.ca)

The governement will soon provide further details on the curfew. We will forward any information in connection with your practice as soon as it is made available.

Administrative staff authorized on the work premises

Employees whose physical presence is deemed necessary to maintain the organization’s massage therapy activities are authorized to be on the work premises (e.g. assistant, receptionist or maintenance staff).

The FQM continuing its telework activities

Our offices will remain closed for the duration of the lockdown, but all our services will be maintained via telework.

COVID-19 Red Zones : The Impact on Massage Therapy

Government measures to break the second wave of COVID-19 were tightened in several regions, which will transition to the maximum alert level on Thursday, October 1, 2020. As of today, we can provide answers to the following questions from our members. Please check for updates, as these measures may be subject to change.

Which regions and MRCs have become red zones?

You can check the status of your region by viewing the map of COVID-19 alert levels on the government of Québec website. We recommend that you carefully review the map on a regular basis. Please note that some regions have partially entered the red zone, depending on the MRC concerned.

What impact will a change to the red zone have on massage therapy?

Massage therapy services can be maintained in a red zone, in compliance with sanitary measures established by the INSPQ and the CNESST.

Can I continue receiving clients at my home-based private office?

Yes. The Sectoral workforce committee checked with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, which confirmed that offering massage therapy care in private offices is permitted, provided that the applicable sanitary measures are observed.

We wish to remind members that if you offer massage therapy care at home, most municipalities ask for an occupancy permit for your commercial activity. If a neighbour complains about visitors to your home, you can thus show them your permit in good standing.

Can I massage a client at his or her home?

Yes. “Individuals offering services or support” are accepted as visitors to homes (Québec.ca).

Can I travel from a red zone to a different coloured zone for work (spa, clinic, client’s home)?

Yes. Workers can travel from one region to another (Québec.ca). The FQM recommends that members exercise the utmost caution and reminds them that, as a general rule, inter-regional travel is not advised.

Are spas staying open?

Massage therapy is maintained, but other leisure installations must close. The FQM is closely monitoring the situation and will inform you if the applicable measures change.

Can massage therapists work in long-term care homes (CHSLDs), care settings and retirement homes?

The FQM is currently studying the question. In the meantime, we recommend that you check with the establishment in question to learn more about the measures that are in place.

Can in-person massage therapy courses continue?

Yes. Training institutions in red zones are not currently closed. However, qualifying training institutions are required to comply with the applicable CNESST measures.

What should I do if I experience anxiety concerning the risk of infection?

Resources are available on the government of Québec website. You can also contact Info-Social service by dialing 8-1-1.

Will the government offer financial assistance in the event that we are obliged to cease our activities due to a COVID-19 infection or a mandatory isolation prescribed by public health authorities?

A series of federal financial assistance programs are awaiting adoption by the Parliament of Canada. The CERB will be replaced by the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) for self-employed workers, whereas salaried employees will be redirected towards employment insurance with flexible conditions. A Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) is also planned for work stoppages due to COVID-19 (for further information). We will update you once these programs come into effect.

The FQM team is continuing its efforts to facilitate your work, in spite of these difficult circumstances. We thank you for your continued trust.

The FQM team and its board of directors

Important Resources

The Professional Liability Waiver for printing or digital use is available in English here (member’s only access).

Our Procédure de reprise des activités has been translated in English. Please read our Guidelines for the Resumption of Massage Therapy in the Context of COVID-19 (IMPORTANT: there has been changes to the Public Health’s recommendations. We are working on updating the guidelines. Please read our detailed announcements in French for additional information.)

This document is based on the recommendations of Quebec’s public health center and the toolkit produced by the CNESST.