Danielle Cousineau has been involved in the physiotherapy business for more than 20 years but the co-owner of Symetrics believes it's like opening a brand new business.
Cousineau is one of many Ontario physio and chiropractic services that have re-opened their doors to the public after the province announced Wednesday that it's permitting Health Care Professionals to gradually begin providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"So we have been preparing the past six to eight weeks preparing protocols on how to get people back in here safely so not only our staff but the community," she said noting that they have been allowed to bring in patients to the clinic under emergency circumstances along with providing some virtual service.
See related: COVID-19: Province says more health providers can reopen
"We basically do not have a waiting room anymore, so people cannot come into the clinic and wait for their appointment," described Cousineau.
She says the patients need to wait outside or in their vehicle until they are called into the building on Main Street East in North Bay. Each session will only last 30 minutes maximum and when patients are done they will leave through a different exit.
Patients will also have to sign a consent for treatment form during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"So it lists all the signs or symptoms people would have if they had COVID-19 or asks if you have been in contact with anyone suspected to have COVID-19, so they have to declare that they have no symptoms," she explained.
"We also have on the consent form when they do come into the clinic that they will wash their hands before and after treatment, that they will wear a mask at all times when in the clinic, they will respect physical distancing from other patients in the clinic and they will have to cancel their appointment if they do feel sick in any way. "
Cousineau says staff will wear protective gear based on the health of the patient; so for a person with an auto-immune disorder, the staff may wear full protective gear including a gown, gloves, and face shield for the safety of the patient.
She says patients seem to be expecting the protocols.
"So far the patients seem to be fine with the protocol, they are happy that we are open again so we are looking forward to offering a safe environment for them to come back to," she said.
