“A return to practice is not a return to normal. It’s important that therapists and patients continue to control their work and personal environments consciously.

CONSIDER HOW COVID-19 SPREADS

• Health experts believe that Coronavirus is transmitted via liquid droplets when a person coughs, sneezes or talks within a close proximity.

• It is believed that COVID-19 spreads when infected droplets reach the eyes, nose or mouth.

• The virus is not known to be transmitted through airborne transmission (by much smaller evaporated particles containing the microorganism floating in the air for long periods of time).

• Coronavirus does not transmit through the skin.

• The virus can be spread by touch if a person has used their hands to cover their mouth or nose when they cough or sneeze and does not practice proper hand hygiene.

• Be aware that COVID-19 may be spread by those not showing symptoms.

To minimize personal risk of exposure:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces frequently.

• Keep 2 meters or 6 feet apart where possible (social distancing).

For measures on prevention see http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks 

or for a brief summary see: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID19-Prevention.pdf

COVERING MOUTH AND NOSE

In all scenarios of life, including work, home and public environments, practitioners will:

• Be aware they could spread COVID-19 to others even if they do not feel sick.

• Use masks to act as a barrier to help prevent them from spreading tiny droplets to others when they are unable to practice social distancing.

• Even with a mask, when possible they will do their best to keep 6 feet between themselves and others – the mask is not a substitute for social distancing. For more information on masks please see: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks