COVID-19: Ontario gives green light to regulated health professionals
TORONTO, ON., May 28, 2020 — Yesterday, the province issued a list of regulated health professionals that are now allowed to reopen after being closed for weeks due the the COVID-19 emergency orders.
The long list of health professionals approved by Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health includes dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, psychologists, dieticians, denturists and more are also included on the list released Wednesday as part of a new order from the province’s chief medical officer of health.
We are sorry to say that there will still be no relief for those hoping to finally get their mop-tops cut as hair salons are part of Phase 2 of the framework for reopening the province, and that won’t happen until the Ministry of Health gives the go-ahead, which could come two to four weeks after closely monitoring the impacts of Phase 1.
“By taking this incremental approach, the government can ensure there are appropriate measures in place to reopen the province safely and limit any risks to people and public health,” said Williams. “Each stage requires careful assessment and monitoring to know whether to adjust, tighten or loosen measures.”
The following regulated health professionals, once approved by their respective governing bodies are now allowed to resume operation:
- audiologists
- chiropodists
- chiropractors
- dental hygienists
- dental technologists
- dentists
- denturists
- dietitians
- homeopaths
- kinesiologists
- massage therapists
- medical laboratory technologists
- medical radiation technologists and sonographers
- midwives
- naturopaths
- nurses
- occupational therapists
- opticians
- optometrists
- pharmacists
- pharmacy technicians
- physicians
- physiotherapists
- podiatrists
- psychologists
- psychotherapists
- respiratory therapists
- speech-language pathologists
- traditional Chinese medical practitioners and acupuncturists
Ontario’s top doctor does advise that these health care providers proceed very cautiously as they re-open their practices.
“Where possible, health care providers are encouraged to limit the number of in-person visits for the safety of health care providers and their patients. It remains important for providers to continue to monitor COVID-19 spread in their community,” said Dr. David Williams.
