COVID 19 – Public Health Order Change
The Province of Manitoba doesn’t seem to want to give any direction and is letting each public contact point (restaurant/retail store/health clinic etc.) figure it out. They will not be monitoring these situations but will respond if necessary. Enforcement will likely disappear.
What is an RMT supposed to do?
The RMTSMB recommends that its members approach this situation with great caution. The RMT community has developed new COVID protocols over the last year that have allowed it to successfully provide treatments to many of Manitoba’s citizens during the pandemic. Good common sense has prevailed. You have survived!
You know where to find the Government COVID site and the RMTSMB doesn’t want to try and explain the policy of this government but we offer some reflection on what is happening and navigating going forward.
The RMT community often speaks of ‘Best Practices’ and what has been learned during COVID should not be abandoned.
- Do attempt to continue appointment scheduling that reduces public contact in the waiting room – this alone has helped tremendously with pandemic spread.
- Cleaning and hygiene protocols are critically important – don’t let them slip.
- Wear a mask if you want to protect yourself and your family members!
- Many of your patients will still want to wear masks regardless of the change by the Government.
- Continue to screen patients for COVID symptoms (Epidemiologists are predicting a Fourth wave this Fall.) Remain diligent in this situation. Unvaccinated people are still becoming infected at high rates.
- Share the fact that you are vaccinated (if you are) with your clients! They may ask you if your are! They want to know and should.
- Don’t ask your clients if they are vaccinated – let them tell you if they are! (PHIA protects the public on this item) Be careful here.
- If you are not vaccinated yourself think seriously about doing so as a health professional. (The Canadian Medical Association & Canadian Nurses are calling for mandatory vaccination of Health Professions) It’s never too late!
- If you are an ‘independent contractor’ under contract with a ‘Health Professional’ – open discussion on the new ground rules where you practice. Protect yourself if necessary – note changes.
- Avoid confrontations with client/patients over the change in any protocols around COVID – try to negotiate around those you disagree with.
- Remember, you can refuse treatment if you assess the situation as being unsafe for you.
- Contact the RMTSMB concerning any situation that is alarming to you. We will be monitoring the next few important weeks that are ahead of everyone. The RMTSMB will intervene if necessary.