The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads in several ways. It can spread in droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face.

The risk of person-to-person transmission increases the closer you come to other people, the more time you spend near them, and the more people you come near.

The risk of surface transmission increases when many people contact the same surface and when those contacts happen over short periods of time.

Step 1: Assess the risks at your workplace

I have worked with the VRC to ensure a clean and safe environment.

I will be using my own equipment.

I have identified job tasks and processes where I may be close VRC staff and client.

I have identified the tools and equipment that will be used by myself and the client.

I have identified surfaces that myself or clients may come in contact with.

Step 2: Implement protocols to reduce the risks

I have reviewed industry-specific protocols on worksafebc.com to determine whether any are relevant to your industry.

I have liaised with the Vancouver Racquets Club.

I have reviewed orders, guidance, and notices issued by the provincial health officer and relevant to your industry.

I have reviewed our health and safety association or other professional and industry associations.

Reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission

1st level protection: Limit the number of people at the workplace and ensure physical distance whenever possible

Measures in place:

Occupancy Limit:

1. Occupancy limited to no more than myself and patient

2. Additional appointment attendees (children, family members) will be discouraged unless absolutely necessary.

3. 2-meter physical distancing reminders posted on facility walls

Work Schedules:

1. All scheduled appointments will include a 10 minute break afterwards

2. Established Telehealth protocols will remain as a core method of service delivery

Changes to Tasks:

1. I will be responsible for all cleaning of clinic space and equipment

2. I will be responsible for greeting and ushering clients to and from their appointments

Facility Changes:

1. I will only work with the clinic room or the outdoor exercise area. 

2. Washroom access will be limited to urgent use only for clients

3. No access to water stations.

4. Clients requested to avoid eating and drinking in clinic

5. No access to communal dishes/utensils (staff)

6. Waiting room chairs removed and clients will be met outside

2nd level protection: Barriers and partitions

Measures in place:

1. The front door will be locked to control the arrival and departure of client 

3rd level protection: Rules and guidelines

Measures in place:

Client Rules and Guidelines

1. Clients will be instructed to arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. They will be encouraged to wait in their car if they arrive early

2. Clients will be greeted at the door by myself

3. Clients will be required to sanitize their hands. They will don a mask for indoor sessions.

4. Client will be screened for COVID symptoms prior to start of appointment by sending a text message the night or day before. If the text is not responded to clients will be screened upon arrival. 

5. Client will be ushered to and from treatment area by myself

6. Clients will be encouraged to keep credit card securely on file for contactless payment

7. Clients will be encouraged to book future appointments online or via phone

8. Client will be ushered to clinic exit

Practitioner Rules and Guidelines

1. I will arrive prior to clients and perform hand hygiene/don PPE (mask/gloves)

2. I will wipe and clean dedicated work area at arrival of shift

3. I will screen clients for COVID symptoms prior to beginning treatment

4. I will clean treatment beds and equipment with disinfecting spray after each client

5. I will perform hand hygiene and change gloves after each client

6. I will change mask in accordance with BCCDC protocol

7. All linens (sheets, towels, blankets) will be changed after each use and laundered on site

4th level protection: Using masks

Measures in place:

Who will use PPE such as masks?

1. I will be required to wear masks

2. Clients will be asked to use a mask in the indoor clinic area

3. I will use gloves during treatment

4. Clients requiring a mask will be provided one for a nominal fee

What work tasks will require the use of masks?

1. Masks will be worn for all tasks in clinic

Reduce the risk of surface transmission through effective cleaning and hygiene practices 

We have reviewed the information on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. 

Our workplace has enough handwashing facilities on site for all our workers. Handwashing locations are visible and easily accessed. 

We have policies that specify when workers must wash their hands and we have communicated good hygiene practices to workers. Frequent handwashing and good hygiene practices are essential to reduce the spread of the virus.

We have implemented cleaning protocols for all common areas and surfaces — e.g., washrooms, tools, equipment, and door handles.

Workers who are cleaning have adequate training and materials. 

We have removed unnecessary tools and equipment to simplify the cleaning process – e.g., coffee makers and shared utensils and plates 

Cleaning Protocols:

The clinic office will be cleaned prior to and following all appointments.

The outdoor setting will be cleaned prior to and following all appointments

Step 3: Develop policies 

My workplace policies myself and clients showing symptoms of COVID-19 are prohibited from the workplace:  

Anyone who has had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Symptoms include fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and new muscle aches or headache. 

Anyone directed by Public Health to self-isolate. 

Anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada or who has had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. 

My policy addresses falling sick at work. It includes the following:

I will wash or sanitize my hands, wear a mask and self isolate. I will go straight home. [Consult the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool, or call 811 for further guidance related to testing and self-isolation.] 

Clean and disinfect any surfaces that the ill worker has come into contact with. 

Step 4: Develop communication plans and training 

I have created a clear COVID-19 Prevention and Control Guideline for the clinic. 

I am using signage in accordance with the Vancouver Racquets Club and BCCDC.

Step 5: Monitor your workplace and update your plans as necessary 

I have a plan in place to monitor risks. I will make changes to the policies and procedures as necessary.