COVID-19 Information

The safety of our patients, their families, and our staff is of the utmost importance to us. For this reason, notwithstanding the lifting of mandates, the Optimal Health Centre team has decided to maintain some of its COVID-19 protocols as outlined below in an effort to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection and out of respect and consideration for our most vulnerable patients.

As this information is subject to change, we recommend that you review it on a regular basis.

Masking:

Although masking is no longer mandatory in Ontario and in most healthcare settings since June 11, 2022, public health units strongly recommend that individuals wear masks in indoor settings, particularly in situations where physical distancing may be difficult or impossible. It is also important to remember that wearing a mask is something we can all do to help protect those who remain at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.

For these reasons, the Optimal Health Centre’s policy with respect to masking will continue to apply. Consequently, staff, patients, and anyone accompanying them, are required to wear a mask inside the clinic and during treatment until further notice.

Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Hygiene Protocols:

The following protocols are being maintained for the safety of our patients, their families, and our staff:

  • Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces: High-touch surfaces continue to be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis by our staff.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting between every patient visit: Our practitioners are committed to continuing to clean and disinfect their treatment tables and equipment between every patient visit.
  • Hand hygiene: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways of preventing the transmission of infection. Our staff will continue to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser frequently.

Schedule changes:

In order to create a safe patient flow, some of the changes we have made to our schedules will continue to apply; namely:

  • Spacing of appointments: Scheduled appointments will continue to be spaced to allow time to disinfect equipment and tables between every patient.
  • In order to accommodate as many patients as possible and to allow us time to clean and disinfect, the majority of massage therapy appointments will continue to be for a duration of 60 minutes.

COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire:

In an effort to keep everyone safe, the Optimal Health Centre will continue to screen patients before every visit. Consequently, 24 hours prior to each appointment, you will receive the mandatory COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire. It is of the utmost importance that you complete and submit your questionnaire before EVERY scheduled appointment. Please note that all patients and persons accompanying them are required to complete this questionnaire before proceeding with the appointment.

If you screen positive, a member of our team will contact you with further instructions. Please note that screening positive does not equate to a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; it is a tool that we are using to reduce the risk of exposure for all our patients, their families, and our staff.

If you screen negative but your condition and/or your circumstances change between the time you complete the questionnaire and the time of your appointment, please contact us as you may be required to reschedule your appointment.

Physical Distancing and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

The physical changes made in our clinic at the start of the pandemic are being maintained; namely:

  • A glass barrier at the reception desk to protect our patients and staff during scheduling and payment.
  • Limited seating options in the waiting area in order to respect the recommended two-meter distance.

Since we are unable to maintain the recommended two-meter distance (or more) during a treatment, all of our practitioners will wear PPE for the safety of all patients and personnel as recommended by Public Health Units. Such PPE may include, but is not limited to, the use of a surgical/procedural mask.

HOW YOU CAN HELP US/STEPS THAT WE ASK YOU TO FOLLOW TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE

We continue to work diligently to keep everyone safe while offering you the care that you need. To do so, we ask that you follow the recommendations below:

  • Please refrain from any walk-ins as much as possible; only come to the clinic when you are scheduled to do so. Should you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, we invite you to contact us by phone or email.
  • Please be on time for your appointments as this helps us create a safe patient flow.
  • Should you be early for an appointment, please wait outside/in your car until your appointment time in order to limit the number of persons in the clinic at any given time and help maintain the recommended two-meter distance (or more).
  • When possible, staff, patients, and other individuals should remain two meters away from each other within the clinic.
  • Wash or sanitise your hands upon entering the clinic and before you leave.
  • If possible, use contactless payment and limit the exchange of paper (e.g. we can email your receipt).
  • In an effort to control the number of persons in the clinic at any given time, visitors should be limited to patient only or patient with one legal guardian.
  • Face masks are required when entering the clinic.
  • Continue to conduct ongoing regular screening of your health. If you are ill or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, please follow the advice of public health officials.

Your appointment was reserved in the practitioner’s schedule specifically for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please provide us with sufficient notice as indicated below. This will allow us to serve ALL our patients in the best way possible.

  • a 4-hour notice for chiropractic appointment cancellations; and
  • a 24-hour notice for massage appointment cancellations.

Failure to provide sufficient notice will result in:

  • a $25 charge for the cancelled or missed chiropractic service; or
  • 50% of the cost of the scheduled massage.

If you must cancel an appointment for reasons related to COVID-19 but are unable to provide us with the proper notice, please let us know and we will waive the cancellation fee, as everyone’s health and safety continue to be our top priority.

The following links contain important and useful information regarding COVID-19: