Because of the rapid evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, regions and provinces are constantly implementing changes and adapting to the various restrictions set by the local authorities. You are encouraged to follow the health guidelines in your region and to continue, as far as possible, the practice of your profession. We are living in exceptional times of deep uncertainty. The CKA is ready to help you get through the crisis.

The CKA team continues to operate remotely. We will strive to maintain the flow of information to Kinesiologists and PKAs. We have the experience and the best tools to communicate and collaborate. In these difficult times, we are available to share tools and information, to advise you, and to help you continue your activities.

While confined to their homes, many Kins have modified their business models to include online services; some of you may have time to take online continuing education seminars or to advance projects that are constantly postponed for lack of time.

Finally, the CKA encourages you to stay informed about this crisis and its management because daily news could give you solutions or ideas. The CKA team is committed to assisting you.

LATEST INFORMATION

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From the College of Kinesiology

Dec. 22, 2020:

Today the Ontario Government announced that the entire province will move into a lockdown at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020. This lockdown will last:

• At least 28 days in southern Ontario (any regions south of North Bay and Parry Sound)
• At least 14 days in northern Ontario (any regions north of North Bay and Parry Sound, including North Bay and Parry Sound)

What this announcement means for R.Kins

Regulated health professionals like kinesiologists may continue to practise, with some exceptions.

The restrictions on gyms and fitness facilities only apply to kinesiologists who own/operate or work at a facility for indoor sports and indoor recreational fitness activities. If a kinesiologist owns such a facility and wishes to use the space for one client at a time (i.e., no indoor group classes or multiple clients at time), this is permitted so long as the College’s guidance is followed. You may also provide services virtually.

General COVID-19 reminders

All kinesiologists are encouraged to review the College’s COVID-19 guidance, which was updated on December 10, 2020

Read the 2020-10-16 College of Kinesiology advice

Stay in touch with the College's advice

Return-to-work COVID-19 Framework

Many provinces will release their return-to-work framework gradually in the next few weeks, and we invite Kinesiologists to stay informed of the prevention measures recommended by their provincial governments. The CKA has gathered information made available at the present time and will strive to update this document as soon as more information is made available. 

Thus far, we know that:

• The College of Kinesiology of Ontario (CKO) is waiting for the Ontario authorities to release their framework for reopening the province sometime this week. The CKO will then provide new guidance to registrants.
• The British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK) is working on publishing an infection control guide that will be available later.
• The Fédération des kinésiologues du Québec (FKQ) has released a policy for resuming activities providing recommendations adapted from those of the Professional Order of Physiotherapy of Quebec.

The CKA would like to share some elements to be considered as Kinesiologists think of returning to work and to ask Kins to review their provincial government guidelines as they come available. The CKA would like to remind Kins that it is mandatory to follow all government recommendations in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We ask Kins to exercise judgment in assessing the possible risks of spread.

The Current Situation

Since kinesiology is not deemed a priority health care service during the pandemic, it is recommended that Kinesiologists who work in private clinics or who do individual consultations postpone all nonessential face-to-face interventions and instead offer online services (some provincial guidelines recommend that online services be provided on an essential basis as well). The CKA has guidelines for online services.

This may change as the government confirms the gradual return to work. The CKA continues to encourage the use of online services even after this return to work notice by government for some cases.

Recommended Instructions

Some Kinesiologists will have clear return-to-work guidelines provided by their employers. Kinesiologists working independently will need to consider adaptations to their work. Here are elements to consider:

1. Before considering a consultation
2. Face-to-face consultations
3. Greeting the client
4. During the consultation
5. After the consultation
6. Other important recommendations
7. Instructions for personal protective equipment (PPE)

 

1. Before considering a consultation

Kins and clients in the following situations should not come to the clinic:

• Anyone showing the following signs: fever, cough, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell (for up-to-date symptoms: www.canada.ca)
• Anyone who has recently travelled outside the country (they should be in quarantine for 14 days)
• Anyone who has had a positive COVID-19 test less than a month ago or anyone awaiting the result of a test
• Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days

If necessary, keep a record of this information in your clients' files.

 

2. Face-to-face consultations

If a face-to-face consultation is required (e.g., assessment, reassessment, care requiring in-person intervention or physical contact with the client, emergency care, special techniques), please respect the following instructions:

• Limit to the strict minimum anyone accompanying, attending to, or helping the client.
• Adopt rules of physical distancing between customers and staff (excluding you): two metres (six feet) apart (e.g., space appointments accordingly to limit people in the waiting area).
• Post reminders of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Follow the steps detailed below, and communicate these to clients before they show up for their appointments.

 

3. Greeting the client

The receptionist, in addition to wearing a proper mask, gloves, and a gown or lab coat, must:

• Ensure that arrival times of the clients does not cause people to gather. Appointments should be spaced accordingly.
• Ask clients, upon arrival, to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based disinfectant.
• When possible, direct the client immediately to the treatment area to prevent the client from moving from one place to another.

 

4. During the consultation

The Kinesiologist must:

• Wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or with an alcohol-based disinfectant before each consultation (wearing gloves is also an option).
• Follow instructions for personal protective equipment (PPE):
  • Always wear a mask when carrying out interventions.
  • It is recommended to use gloves, glasses (visor), and a smock or long-sleeved lab coat in addition to the mask if there is a risk of exposure to biological liquids during the intervention or for clients having a weaker immune system.
  • Apply the rules to properly put on PPE.

 

5. After the consultation

The Kinesiologist must:

• Invite clients to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or with an alcohol-based disinfectant before leaving.
• Wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based disinfectant. If you have chosen to wear gloves, change them after each consultation and then wash your hands.
• If soiled, change gloves, mask, and gown or lab coat after each consultation. Clean glasses if required.
• Apply PPE withdrawal rules.
• Ensure that instruments, tools, and other materials used in the previous consultation room are cleaned with a disinfectant before and after each consultation.

 

6. Other important recommendations

• If clients have flu symptoms, take appropriate measures to isolate and prevent the possible spread of pathogens.
  • Ask clients to refrain from any encounter or treatment until their symptoms go away.
  • Consider waiving cancellation fees to reduce the risk of an infectious client infecting you and others.
• Ensure that other staff members wear a mask, gloves, and an isolation gown or lab coat and that they properly remove them.
• If possible, make protective glasses or visors available to members of your staff who wish to take advantage of them.
• Disinfect high-contact areas during opening hours and at the end of the day. This will vary depending on the work environment but may include wall surfaces subject to hand or body contact, exercise mats, equipment, machinery, toilets, and door handles.
• Make disinfectant pumps available, especially at reception and in all places that require coming into contact with objects (e.g., signing forms).
• Promote contactless payment.

• Ensure that employees receive training on hygiene measures to be applied during a pandemic.
• Do not shake hands with customers.
• Be prepared to use additional infection control mechanisms to protect the health and safety of your clients if governmental standards are not respected.
• Avoid sharing pens, pencils, clipboards, etc. without applying the appropriate sterilization procedures.
• When assessing or working with clients, do not touch clients unless necessary, and use protective gloves when appropriate.
• If you are performing assisted stretching or other activities where skin-to-skin contact is necessary to perform the activity properly, make sure that all skin areas are cleaned immediately afterward. This usually includes washing the hands and forearms up to the elbow and possibly above unless a long-sleeved garment is worn.

7. Instructions for personal protective equipment (PPE)

Wearing a procedure mask in health care settings

How to put on and take off a procedure mask

Protective goggles, gowns, and gloves (section "Measures to be applied as a preventive measure")

Dressing and undressing procedures

Infection prevention and control

Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

Cleaning and disinfection of care equipment

INSPQ instructions for providing home care

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Are You Redeployed to Work on the Front Lines of COVID-19?

Insurance for work outside scope of kinesiology

Some Kinesiologists have been asked to "work on the front lines of COVID-19." Here is how this may affect your professional insurance coverage in this situation.

The CKA is thankful that there are so many dedicated health care professionals who will do everything possible to help us get through the COVID-19 crisis.

The CKA national insurance program is only intended to cover kinesiology services falling under the scope of practice. That being said, Trisura has extended the liability coverage to other health care modalities if the Kin has the credentials and experience. The other health care modalities that Trisura will consider covering include osteopathic manual practitioner, massage therapist, and reflexologist.

Any Kins who are redeployed to work on the front lines of COVID-19 will need to obtain separate liability insurance or receive coverage from their employer. PROLINK/Trisura has experience insuring respiratory therapists and nurses. PROLINK/Trisura is looking into covering Kins outside of the CKA program because the exposure related to assisting patients suffering from COVID-19 is much different from the typical risk of exposure that is expected for a Kinesiologist. In the case of front-line services provided during COVID-19, there may be dozens of tasks that Kins are asked to do. This brings uncertainty surrounding their duties in the hospitals. 

The most cost-effective solution for Kins being recruited to work with COVID-19 patients may be to have their employer (e.g., hospital or clinic) confirm they will cover the Kin. If not, Kins are invited to call PROLINK for more coverage.

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Clarification: Definition of Essential Services, Essential Businesses, and Online Services

Definition of Essential Service

We know that Kinesiologists are looking for a clear definition of what is considered an essential service within kinesiology. It is difficult to provide a clear definition because this largely depends on the individual patient/client. Kinesiologists, as highly trained, competent, and qualified health professionals, are best positioned to determine what is essential for their patients/clients. 

A service is considered essential if the patient's/client's health or function will decline considerably if it is not provided. If this decline could lead to hospitalization, for example, then the service is considered essential. The idea behind recent directives is to minimize strain on the health care system so that other care is prioritized (e.g., for those showing symptoms of or suffering from COVID-19). 

Kinesiologists are asked to use their professional knowledge and judgment to determine whether a service is essential, if that service should be provided in person, or if it is appropriate to move to virtual service.

Social and physical distancing are strongly encouraged, meaning you must make every possible effort to limit in-person contact. If you must be in contact with others, you should maintain at least two metres from them. 

Essential and Non-essential Businesses

While a business may be deemed essential, it may not be appropriate to continue performing some services. Kinesiologists who work in or provide services to an essential business should ensure they are implementing protocols that protect their health and the health of others in the course of their work. Kinesiologists should discuss their role with their employer and whether it fits with the definition of essential service.

Providing Services Virtually

Although this information relates to Kinesiologists practising in Ontario, this may apply to your province. Kinesiologists may want to verify with their provincial authorities.

Many Kinesiologists are asking if they are allowed to conduct services virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Normally, it is permitted for Kinesiologists to provide services virtually. 

However, the College of Kinesiology of Ontario has received clarification from the Ministry of Health that virtual service should be limited to essential service only. 

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Latest Government Funding

Most recently the Government of Canada has launched two new financial support programs for which Kinesiologists may be eligible: CERB and CEWS. Since these programs have not yet been legislated, not all details are available. The CKA has gathered the following information to help you understand the different programs.

• If you are self-employed and have NO REVENUE, you are eligible for the CERB. We recommend that you sign up as soon as possible.
• If you are self-employed and have REVENUE FOR 10 HOURS OR LESS PER WEEK, you are eligible for the CERB. We recommend that you sign us as soon as possible.
• If you work for a corporation and are taking in less than 15% of your normal revenue, the CEWS is available for employees but may also be available for the self-employed.

Snapshots of these programs

1. CERB – Canada Emergency Response Benefit
   For workers and the self-employed: $2,000/month for up to four months
   • Eligible are self-employed who have no revenue OR have 10 hours or less.*
   • Eligible workers cannot receive both EI and CERB at the same time.
   • If you are receiving EI, you will continue receiving EI.
   • If you have applied for EI yet it has not been processed, it appears that it will be automatically rolled into CERB first.
   • It appears that eligible workers are entitled to the CERB first, then EI once the CERB runs out.
   • The wait to receive payment for CERB is fairly quick – three to five days.
   • Apparently the website is not up to date, but proceed anyway as you would for EI.
   • You need to answer questions regarding your income status every two weeks.
   • When to apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html
     • If you were born in the months of January, February, March, you can apply on Mondays.
     • If you were born in the months of April, May, June, you can apply on Tuesdays.
     • If you were born in the months of July, August, September, you can apply on Wednesdays.
     • If you were born in the months of October, November, December, you can apply on Thursdays.
     • For any birth dates, you can apply on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

   • How to apply

     There are two ways to apply:

   • Online with CRA My Account
   • Over the phone with an automated phone service

   • Get ready

     To ensure your application will be as easy and quick as possible, here is how to get started: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

2. CEWS – Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
   For corporations: if revenue decline of 15%, 75% regular wage for three months
   • Must reapply each month separately.
   • Must show decline of revenue of 15% or more over the same time period in 2019 – for each month applied.
   • Subsidy will cover up to 75% of first $58,700 of eligible remuneration per employee, representing a benefit of up to $847 per employee per week of the program.
   • When to claim for each month separately:
     • For March 2020, you can claim between March 15 and April 11.
     • For April 2020, you can claim between April 12 and May 9.
     • For May 2020, you can claim between May 10 and June 6.

*Emergency services: the eligibility criteria will be extended; announced April 6th 2020.

The expansion of this new social safety net will give a financial boost to workers who have had their work hours reduced to 10 hours a week or less, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as an example during his daily press conference outside Rideau Cottage.

Workers who still have their jobs but who earn less money will also get some form of compensation. Mr. Trudeau notably appointed home care professionals or those caring for the elderly.

Source: https://www.lapresse.ca/covid-19/202004/06/01-5268197-prestation-durgence-les-criteres-dadmissibilite-seront-elargis.php

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Call for the Mobilization of Volunteers to Support Health Workers

The Trudeau government wants to mobilize volunteers across the country who have some expertise in the health field in order to lend a hand to front-line hospital workers during this crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Ministry of Health is in the process of establishing an inventory of these specialized volunteers. This inventory will be provided to the provinces and territories to support doctors and nurses, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced during his daily press conference outside Rideau Cottage.

Those interested can register with the Federal Ministry until April 24 at the following address.

 

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Zoom Teleconferencing System

Precautions to take

Important information about using Zoom

This application has shown some weaknesses in terms of confidentiality, regardless of whether it is a paid or free version. ZOOM has since upgraded security levels and requires that all meetings have a password and enable a waiting room from now on. Watch this video:

 

Here are some parameters to configure to better protect yourself:

1. Deactivate the "Enable join before host" function.
2. Select "Other possible animators" and dedicate this function to another person in case your line is interrupted.
3. Replace "Screen sharing" with "Host only."
4. Deactivate "File transfer."
5. Deactivate "Allow deleted participants to re-join."

The CKA recommends using the paid version of this application to ensure encrypted communications. Since Zoom has reacted quickly and effectively to remedy the situation, the CKA will continue using this videoconference tool with the enhanced security features.

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Some Things Kinesiologists Can Do While Confined

Continuing Education – with CKA Partners

If you are not working, we encourage you to add your continuing education experiences to your profile on your PKA's website. For the MKA, NBKA, KANS, KPEI, and NLKA: https://www.cka.ca/en/stay-current

Furthermore, this might also be a good time to take on new continuing education opportunities. The CKA, through its partners RockTape, First Line Education, and Human Kinetics, provides you with useful webinars, books, and videos.

Visit the CKA Boutique

Continuing Education – Webinars from PKAs

BCAK and FKQ: Both PKAs offer webinars on their respective websites. Most of these are available on their YouTube channels. In addition, these PKAs are in the final stages of development of their own hubs. They will also be developing free educational webinars in the coming months. Once ready, they wish to share with everyone.

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How to Communicate with Clients

Here are three practical tips for communicating during these difficult times:

1. Don't say there is a lot of "uncertainty and anxiety." Everyone knows this. Go further: Ask yourself what this uncertainty actually means for your audiences. Be empathetic. Be helpful. But be convincing.

2. Ask yourself why you are communicating right now. What is the essential message you wish to spread, in this time when attention is scarce and messages numerous?

3. If you can't find one, maybe it's better to wait. Not communicating is also a strategy. Take the opportunity to rethink your positioning!

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The CKA has issued two eAnnouncements to Affiliated Kinesiologists on the coronavirus. If you have missed them, consult the following:

Special COVID-19 Information and More, Published on March 23, 2020

This eAnnouncement included subjects such as the following:

1. Insurance coverage confirmed
2. Online services vs. insurance and scope
3. Guidelines for online services
4. Government's financial support
5. Website links to provincial and federal resources

Read More

Suggestions to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19, Published on March 17, 2020

This eAnnouncement included subjects such as the following:

1. Providing urgent kinesiology services
2. Clients of 70 years and over
3. Suggestions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
4. Infection control reminder
5. Novel coronavirus web page of Ministry of Health in your province, for more information
6. What health professionals need to know
7. From the College of Kinesiology of Ontario: Practice Standard- Infection Control

Read More

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A message from

COVID-19 RISK MANAGEMENT 
GUIDE FOR CKA AFFILIATES

We are living in an unpredictable time across the country, and around the world, as we try to reconcile the new reality imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments have asked businesses, and entire societies, to shut down – and unfortunately, no one is certain how long these measures will be enforced.

We all know that we must do whatever we can to #flattenthecurve and protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Still, no matter if you are a business owner, independently employed, or an employee, it is understandable that you may be concerned about the future of your practice and your finances. And, as a health care professional, you also need to consider an added complexity: the continuity of care for your patients or clients.

To help you navigate the current landscape, we've put together this risk management guide to address the following topics:

1. Providing continuity of care (virtual care services)
2. Ensuring your financial resilience (navigating government programs)
3. Understanding the role of your CKA insurance

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR RISK MANAGEMENT GUIDE

This is a challenging time for all of us. If you have questions or concerns about your business, your continuity planning, or your health or travel insurance, please connect with us. We are only a call or an email away.

Take care,

The PROLINK Team

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GUIDELINES FOR ONLINE SERVICES

Should you wish to begin offering your services online, here are guidelines, consent forms, and a video from the BCAK and a webinar from Hexfit/FKQ. We greatly appreciate that PKAs are sharing these with the kinesiology community across Canada.

From the BCAK
Guideline for Telehealth Services
Telehealth Consent Form
Video

Note: In BC, online services are called telehealth services, not to be confused with the same term used differently in Ontario.

From the FKQ
Guideline for Télésanté or Téléreadaptation
Video
Webinar

  

Note: In QC, online services are called télésanté (for remote health services) or téléreadaptation (for rehabilitation).