The Government of Ontario’s first stage of reopening the province begins today. The
complete list of Stage 1 openings is available online. Certain health services will be allowed to resume, such as in-person counselling and scheduled surgeries based on meeting pre-specified conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed that this does not yet extend past these listed health services.
We are receiving inquiries for occupational therapists asking how this news applies to their practice. As a reminder, on March 19 2020,
Directive #2 from Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health required the ramping down of health services. While the Ministry of Health is preparing an amendment to this document, the original directive remains in effect. Urgent and essential services are permitted. Please contact our Practice Team for clarification.
Occupational therapists should start planning for re-entry and how their practices might be made ready for safe service.
Once the government provides direction for a ramping up of health services, practices that reopen must:
- follow the requirements outlined by the government;
- follow the College's guidance on return to work and infection control practices;
- have access to personal protective equipment.
Occupational therapists may wish to review the following suggested resources: