The Ministry of Health has a dedicated webpage that provides guidance for the health sector.  

The site provides sector-specific guidance for the health sectors and health professionals including resources on COVID-19 symptoms, screening, and testing, signage for health care settings, mental health, and long-term care and retirement homes. 

Please note these guidance documents are updated regularly. Visit the Ministry of Health’s guidance for the health sector webpage for the most current versions.  

Ontario continues to offer vaccinations, including boosters, to eligible populations to help fight COVID-19. Please note, physiotherapists are not permitted to restrict care based on a patient’s vaccination status and the Ministry of Health's guidance for PPE in clinical settings continues to apply, regardless of the patient's or the health provider's vaccination status. 

Physiotherapists working in some clinical settings (e.g., Long-Term Care) may be required to get vaccinated in accordance with government directives or their employer’s policies. Physiotherapists are encouraged to review the guidance from the Ministry of Health and their employers to manage vaccine expectations.  

Administering a substance, such as a vaccine, by injection is a controlled act. Physiotherapists can only do this if they are delegated the task by another professional authorized to perform the act. PTs must be trained and have the knowledge, skills and judgement to administer the vaccine safely. In preparation, PTs need to understand how the vaccine works and be able to get informed consent from patients, including explaining the possible side effects and having a mechanism available to manage adverse reactions.  

COVID Vaccines in Ontario 

Virtual care should continue to be offered to patients who wish to limit their in-person contacts.

The Ontario Government has a dedicated COVID-19 website. This site is updated frequently and provides information about how to protect yourself, how to recognize possible symptoms and what to do if you are in contact with someone who is COVID positive.

The website also has information for booking vaccinations and vaccine safety.

If you are attending a physiotherapy appointment in person, you can expect your physiotherapist to implement all measures to keep both of you safe. The PT will follow all guidelines from the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and the College, that may include asking you screening questions, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment and cleaning and disinfecting the clinic space.

The PT might discuss options with you if they believe you are at a higher risk including scheduling treatment at the beginning or end of the day when less people are at the clinic, offering virtual visits, or providing a home exercise program.

If you are a suitable candidate for virtual physiotherapy (tele-rehabilitation) and you consent to receiving care virtually, your physiotherapist may recommend this as an option. The quality of virtual care does not differ from in person care and your physiotherapist must follow the same rules as they would when providing in person care.

Virtual care may be a good option for you if you are not feeling well. It can ensure that you still receive treatment while also keeping others safe. 

Learn more about virtual care.

Information is updated regularly as COVID-19 continues to evolve. Physiotherapists are encouraged to visit the  Public Health Ontario website, or contact their local public health unit for the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and public health measures.  

Also review the following resources from the Ontario government to help keep your workplace safe:

• COVID-19 and workplace health and safety
• COVID-19 safety checklist for workplaces

The Ministry of Health has a dedicated webpage that provides guidance for the health sector.

The site provides sector-specific guidance for the health sectors and health professionals including resources on COVID-19 symptoms, screening, and testing, signage for health care settings, mental health, and long-term care and retirement homes.

Please note these guidance documents are updated regularly. Visit the Ministry of Health’s guidance for the health sector webpage for the most current versions.

The Ontario government no longer requires mandatory vaccination policies and testing in hospitals and long-term care homes. However, individual organizations may still choose to implement or maintain vaccination or testing requirements.

For more information about vaccinations, you can contact the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre by telephone at 1-833-943-3900 or you can submit your questions online to the Ministry of Health.