COVID-19 Resources for Massage Therapists

AMTA is committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates and resources on COVID-19 and massage therapy.

The Latest Information on COVID-19 and Massage

As we navigate the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis together, we’re committed to closely following updates and keeping everyone’s health top of mind. We’ll be updating this news page regularly to share the latest information and how it relates to the massage therapy profession.

COVID-19 Reopening Resources for Massage Therapists

As we cautiously look to the future, many massage therapists have questions about when and how they can begin caring for their clients again. AMTA has been actively engaging with federal and state agencies, as they consider reopening strategies, to provide consultation, information and feedback on their processes; understanding they will vary greatly from state-to-state. We are a diverse profession and in some states those decisions are near; for others they may be further away.

When your state allows you to reopen, whether or not you choose to return to work is a personal decision. There are many factors to consider when deciding to return to work, including how your community (and client base) has been affected, your own vulnerability to the virus (along with those you live with), and the physical, mental and financial factors involved. Each individual will need to fully assess their own unique situation to decide what feels right for them.

Unfortunately, even with the most rigorous sanitation protocols, enhanced client screening, and social distancing precautions, there is still risk of COVID-19 transmission involved. For this reason, we ask that you choose your restart date carefully, and encourage you to gain a full understanding of new laws and ordinances at the local, state and national levels, and adjust your practices accordingly.

As you carefully plan for when you will begin seeing clients again, here are 10 important considerations for your practice to help manage the risk involved in the COVID-19 era. For in-depth guidance on each topic, we encourage you to follow the science and look to the top health experts including the CDC and OSHA. We are your partner throughout this process, and will continue to update you as we receive new information.

Updated: 10 Important Considerations for Reopening

Updated May 20, 2020

Knowing that every state will restart in its own way and will likely provide varying specifics for how and when you can begin to practice, here are 10 important considerations as you plan for when your state will allow you to begin seeing clients again.

1. Gain a full understanding of any new laws and ordinances at the local, state, and national levels and adjust your practices accordingly.

Make sure you are aware of the latest updates and guidance in your state.
Remember that your state laws and reopening guidelines must be adhered to regardless of any additional safety protocols you may choose to adopt.

2. Make sure that your professional liability insurance covers you for communicable diseases like the Coronavirus. AMTA members, rest assured, there are no exclusions on your policy for this Coronavirus or communicable diseases. If you're not an AMTA member, make sure you check with your provider. Click here for more information.

3. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) has developed comprehensive guidelines for state and regulatory agencies of oversight, and massage therapists across various workplace settings that you can download here. Guidance includes facility cleanliness and disinfection, practitioner hygiene, and recommendations for massage schools.

4. Institute thorough cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing protocols in your massage room as well as any communal areas and of any objects clients touch. Consider the laundry policy for your clothes, linens, towels, and other washable objects.

Consult CDC guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting processes for reopening businesses.
You can reference ISPA's guidelines for hygiene and cleaning in spa settings.
The AIHA provides specific, easy-to-follow recommendations for the reopening of businesses.
We encourage you to refer to CDC for guidance on handling soft services.

5. Think about your own use of Personal Protection Equipment (including masks, gloves, and clothing).

OSHA has detailed guidance on preparing your workplace including the use of PPE (refer to page 14).
The World Health Organization has advice on when and how to use masks in the context of COVID-19.
You can access additional information at the CDC website.

6. Practice proper handwashing and hygiene protocols.

Hand washing is an important protection against COVID-19. The CDC has information and details, including downloadable flyers to post in workplaces and restrooms.

7. Consider your booking practices and make any changes to allow for sanitization procedures and recognizing social distancing recommendations that may limit the number of people in one space. Evaluate your cancellation policy and protocols if a client shows signs of illness.

The CDC has provided guidelines for preparing practices for reopening.
ClinicSense created a guide for communicating with clients during this time and preparing your practice for reopening.

8. Implement an enhanced intake process and consider pre-appointment communications to minimize contact during check-in and check-out, and demonstrate your commitment to the health of your clients and yourself.

Use an intake form to fully understand your client before a session.
Online tools such as ClinicSense or Massage Book can assist in pre-appointment communications, intake processes and streamline check-in and check-out times.
Consider spacing your appointments so you have adequate time in between to clean and minimize interaction with multiple people in the reception area.

9. If you work with other massage therapists or service providers, consider any necessary updates to your HR and staffing policies. If you are an employee, carefully review any guidelines you will need to follow.

OSHA’s guidance has information and guidance around staffing and HR policies.
The CDC has provided a tool for businesses to assist with reopening decisions to help protect vulnerable workers.

10. Post signage in waiting rooms and common areas to emphasize social distancing, handwashing, and any protective equipment you expect your clients to use.

The CDC has downloadable signs to post in common areas as reminders.
ISPA has downloadable information about disinfection processes.

We encourage every massage therapist to use their best professional judgment about their ability to accept and care for clients in a way that follows their state, CDC and OSHA guidelines. We are continuing to work to get more concrete answers from healthcare experts, governments and massage therapy licensing boards, and will be providing you with additional information for protecting both yourself and your clients as it becomes available.

As you cautiously plan for when you will begin seeing clients again, AMTA is here for you. We have built a suite of resources to help guide and support you through this time.

Additional Resources

State-Based Updates

Find the latest updates in your state around closures, openings, license and CE requirements, and more.

Find Your State

Financial Resources

Find resources and information around financial relief and COVID-19, including unemployment information in your state.

Learn More

Preparing for Clients

Client Intake Form

Fill out a client intake form to fully understand your client before you begin your massage session.

Gift Certificate Template

Create personalized gift certificates — perfect for downloading and emailing to current and future clients.

Marketing Toolkit

Promote your massage therapy practice with these marketing tools.

National Locator Service

Update or create your listing on AMTA's national locator service and connect with new clients.

Self-Care

Take care of yourself with these self-care resources and courses.

Free Website

Update or create your free website to update clients on policies, procedures, hours, and more.

Refresh Your Skills

MBLEx Study Guide

Refresh your knowledge with the MBLEx study guide.

Free CE

Earn free CE in self-care, business, ethics and more.

Anatomy Study Guide

Review muscle groups from anywhere in this musculoskeletal anatomy app.

AMTA Membership Dues Update

June 9, 2020 - Updated

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, AMTA is currently offering relief to those members that are experiencing difficulties in paying their membership dues. We ask that if you find yourself in that situation to please reach out to us to discuss the ways we can assist in keeping you a part of the AMTA community during this challenging time.

COVID-19 State-Based Updates and AMTA Advocacy Efforts

The AMTA Government Relations Team has been engaging with federal, state and local officials for updates on laws, executive orders, and regulations that impact massage therapists during the COVID-19 crisis. We are also working to help champion continuing education and license renewal changes for all massage therapists. Knowing that every state will restart in its own way, we encourage you to gain a full understanding of any new laws and ordinances at the local, state, and national level and adjust your approach to reopening your practice accordingly.

We will continue to update this section with any state-based changes to openings and closures, restrictions, and guidelines related to the massage therapy profession.

Please click on your state below to access state COVID-19 information and the latest updates.

Access the Alabama state COVID-19 page
March 27, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage-therapy establishments and massage services, athletic facilities, fitness centers, gyms, spas and yoga facilities to be closed effective at 5:00 p.m. on March 28.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor issued a stay-at-home order, which restated her previous order that massage therapy establishments and massage services, spas, yoga facilities and fitness centers be closed.
April 29, 2020 - While the Governor’s Safer-at-Home order will reopen some businesses on May 1, massage therapy establishments and services (other than for medically prescribed services) are to remain closed, as are gyms, fitness centers and spas.
May 13, 2020 - The Governor and the State Health Officer issued an amended health order that allowed massage therapy establishments and services to reopen on May 11, under specific rules in Section 7. The Alabama Massage Board has provided additional guidelines for massage therapists who choose to reopen.

Access the Alaska state COVID-19 page
March 16, 2020 - The state regulatory board urges MTs to include CDC guidelines when making decisions about client care and how, when, where, and if they choose to practice.
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage therapy locations, day spas, Rolfing, Reiki, acupuncture, acupressure and similar services closed.
April 16, 2020 - The Governor has issued a Health Mandate that supersedes his previous orders and provides basic guidelines for non-essential healthcare providers who could resume practice on May 4, “for health care services that cannot be delayed beyond eight weeks without posing a significant risk to quality of life."
May 13, 2020 - The Governor issued a reopening plan which allowed massage therapists to reopen, effective May 8. The Alaska Board of Massage Therapists has provided guidelines for massage therapists who choose to reopen.

Access the Arizona state COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - State Board of Massage Therapy follows Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines, suspends CE requirements and payments.
March 31, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order that also states all non-essential businesses must be closed.

Flagstaff – The Mayor has ordered all gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios and similar facilities to be closed.

April 6, 2020 - The Governor has clarified his order of March 30 to specifically state that all spas and massage locations are to close.
April 30, 2020 - The Governor has extended his Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected order through May 15.
May 13, 2020 - The Governor’s office and the Department of Health have provided guidelines for massage therapists under his Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger plan, which allows massage therapists to begin seeing clients today, May 13.

Access the Arkansas state COVID-19 page
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage therapy establishments closed by March 25and the Arkansas Department of Health has stated that all 18 hours of required continuing education (CE) can be obtained through online courses and that license renewals can be deferred for 90 days past expiration without late fee penalties after the conclusion of the public health emergency.
May 4, 2020 - The Governor has issued a directive that massage therapy locations may resume services (under specified conditions) beginning May 6, 2020. The Department of Health has provided additional information on the conditions that must be met for massage therapy practices to begin seeing clients.

Access the California state COVID-19 page
March 19, 2020 -The Governor has issued a shelter in place order for most businesses in the state and has ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence.
June 10, 2020 - California is in Stage 2. The state is issuing guidance for businesses to follow, if they are permitted to open per County Public Health rules.
June 16, 2020 - Counties may now make the decision to allow massage therapists to reopen, as the California Department of Public Health has issued guidelines for reopening massage practices (page 13). Decisions about when massage therapists can reopen may change daily by county.

Access the Colorado state COVID-19 page
March 16, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gyms to close.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor extended his stay-at-home order until April 26.
April 28, 2020 - The Department of Public Health & Environment has issued an order that would allow massage businesses to open on May 1, with specific guidelines in the Appendices of the order.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor’s Safer-at-Home order allows massage therapists to reopen to clients, if specific requirements are met. See Sections K and L.

Access the Connecticut state COVID-19 page
March 10, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all fitness centers and gyms to close.
Effective on March 23, 2020, 8pm - The Governor has issued a stay at home order and is directing all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities to prohibit all in-person functions.
April 1, 2020 - The Department of Public Health has suspended massage therapy license renewals until six months after the civil preparedness emergency is declared to be over.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor extended his stay at home executive order through May 20.
May 22, 2020 - The Reopen CT Advisory Group has presented recommendations to the Governor for when massage therapists would be allowed to reopen under Phase 2 of the plan. But, the Governor has not yet approved the plan or set a date for reopening.
June 8, 2020 - The Governor, through his Reopen Connecticut plan, will allow massage therapists to reopen on June 17 at 50% of capacity, with self-certification and adherence to rules on page 5 of the announcement.

Access the Delaware state COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor extended his State of Emergency order through at least May 15, specifically closing spas, gyms, yoga studios, fitness and similar facilities.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued a reopening plan for the state. Under Phase One, massage therapists are to remain closed.
June 3, 2020 - Governor Carney has announced a rolling reopening of personal care service businesses – including massage therapy services. Personal care businesses may open at 30 percent of stated fire occupancy at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8. Personal care service businesses and exercise facilities are to remain at 30 percent of stated fire occupancy on Monday June 15 when Delaware enters Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.
June 22, 2020 - The Governor has announced that massage therapy establishments can be open up to 60% of capacity, as of June 22, as part of Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.

Access the District of Columbia state COVID-19 page
March 25, 2020 - The Mayor has ordered all massage establishments, spas, health clubs and gyms to be closed.
April 7, 2020 - The Mayor has extended her stay home order through at least April 24.
May 13, 2020 - The District Stay at Home order has been extended through June 8.
May 27, 2020 - While the Mayor has announced Phase 1 of her reopening plan, massage therapists are to remain closed at this time.
June 19, 2020 - The Mayor has announced the city will move to Phase 2 on June 22. Personal services, such as massage therapy may reopen with specific guidelines, per Aisha Nixon, Executive Director, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA), Allied and Behavioral Health Boards.

Access the Florida state COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - The Florida Board of Massage Therapy will permit certain required hours of massage school education to be taught through distance learning.
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has issued a “safer at home” order for people in high risk groups and encouraged social distancing.
April 9, 2020 - The Governor ordered all licensed health care providers to cease performing elective services.
May 22, 2020 - AMTA received an email from the Florida Surgeon General’s office that confirmed that the Surgeon General included massage therapists in Section 5 of EO 20-112 allowing those providers to reopen. The phrase ‘other health care practitioners’ is meant to include massage therapy.
May 27, 2020 - The Florida Department of Health issued a notification to massage therapists and establishments in the state, to provide clarity regarding executive orders in effect and guidelines for practice.

Access the Georgia state COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has provided information to businesses about how they can operate at this time.
April 3, 2020 - The Governor has issued a shelter-in-place order that also closed massage therapy practices, health clubs, fitness centers and gyms.
April 6, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage therapists to “cease operations” through April 13.
April 24, 2020 - The Governor announced massage therapy practices, massage schools and education programs, gyms and fitness clubs may re-open on April 24, if they meet “Minimum Basic Operations” criteria.

In making the announcement, the Governor clarified that Minimum Basic Operations will mean businesses re-opening may only conduct minimum basic operations and must adhere to restrictions including 20 specific recommendations around social distancing, employee health monitoring, and increased sanitation and workplace safety practices.

June 11, 2020 - The Governor has issued an executive order that will allow walk-in clients to massage establishments as of June 16.

Access the Hawaii state COVID-19 page
March 27, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses, specifically including fitness centers and gyms, to be closed.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor’s new Safer-at-Home order allows massage therapists to resume seeing clients under specific circumstances and only in health care facilities. See Exhibit A,1,b.
May 29, 2020 - Massage therapy services can reopen on June 1 in Hawaii, Honolulu, and Maui counties based on Mayoral Executive Orders. Massage therapy establishments must follow guidelines and restrictions outlined in the executive orders.
June 1, 2020 - The county of Kauai released an order that allowed massage therapists to reopen on May 22. Massage therapy establishments must follow guidelines and restrictions outlined in executive orders.

Access the Idaho state COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order.
April 17, 2020 - The Director of the Department of Health and Welfare has extended the Governor’s stay at home order and issued a self-isolate order, effective through April 30.
May 7, 2020 - The Governor’s Idaho Rebounds plan will enter phase 2 on May 16, allowing massage therapists to begin seeing clients based on specific protocols.

Access the Illinois state COVID-19 page
March 20, 2020 - The Governor issued a stay at home order for the entire state through at least April 7, and ordered the closing of all non-essential businesses.
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has extended the stay-at-home order to at least April 30.
April 2, 2020 - The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will permit massage therapy schools to offer on-line instruction for their lecture-based, non-hands-on courses from March 17, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
April 24, 2020 - The Governor announced that he will sign a modified version of the state's stay at home order that will go into effect on May 1 and extend through May 31.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that will allow personal care services, to include spas to reopen during Phase 3 of his Restore Illinois Plan. While this will apply to massage therapists in much of the state on May 29, municipalities may maintain local orders for massage therapists to remain closed. We are continuing to seek clarity from the state on how this order applies to all massage therapy establishment settings.
May 28, 2020 - Governor Pritzker has announced Phase 3 of his Restore Illinois plan for May 29, which allows massage therapists to reopen, with specific guidelines. The City of Chicago has its own specific guidelines for reopening under the Governor’s Phase 3 plan.
June 10, 2020 - The Governor’s order was modified to remove the 30 minute restriction on massage therapy and requirements around use of face masks have been updated. If services require a customer to remove his or her mask, employee must wear both a face mask and eye protection (e.g., face shield, protective glasses).

Access the Indiana state COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all fitness and exercise gyms, spas, salons and similar facilities to close.
May 6, 2020 - The Governor has issued a phased order to reopen businesses in the state by county, effective through May 23. Directions for massage therapy locations and spas are in Section 13 of his order and must meet specific criteria to reopen.
May 7, 2020 - The Governor’s Back on Track plan includes a PPE Marketplace to order items needed when small businesses, such as massage therapists, begin to reopen.
June 12, 2020 - The Governor announced all 92 counties in the state can advance to Stage 4 of the Back On Track Indiana plan on June 12.

Access the Iowa COVID-19 page
March 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all fitness centers, health clubs, health spas and gyms to close.
March 27, 2020 - Following the order of the Governor, the Bureau of Professional Licensure has stated that all massage therapy establishments are to be closed.
March 31, 2020 - The state massage therapy board has clarified the implications for massage therapists of the Governor’s order to close massage therapy establishments.
April 3, 2020 - The Iowa Board of Massage Therapy has clarified that massage therapist licenses expiring during the Governor’s emergency proclamation order will have 30 days to renew once the proclamation order is ended. Licensed massage therapists will not be required to complete a minimum number of hands-on CE training for their next renewal, even if their next renewal is after the end of the Proclamation.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor has extended her order to close massage establishments, fitness centers, gyms and spas through April 30.
April 28, 2020 - The Governor has issued a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration until May 27. The proclamation loosens social distancing measures in 77 counties, but all massage therapy locations continue to be closed until May 15.
May 14, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order (Section Two, I) that allows massage therapy locations to reopen on May 15, providing they follow guidelines from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Access the Kansas COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all but those in essential businesses to stay at home.
May 1, 2020 - While the Governor’s latest executive order will allow certain businesses to reopen on May 4, “personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided” are to remain closed. Fitness centers and gyms are to remain closed.
May 14, 2020 - The Governor has issued the Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas beginning May 18. While some businesses are allowed to open under Phase I, massage therapists, as unlicensed professionals, are to remain closed.
May 15, 2020 - The Governor announced Phase 1.5 of the Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas which will allow massage therapists and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided to open on May 18, but only for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in. If you choose to reopen, these guidelines will apply. If you have questions, contact AMTA’s Government Relations Team at GRinfo@amtamassage.org.
July 8, 2020 - The Governor has issued a statewide order mandates the use of a mask or other face covering in public spaces, including while receiving services from a healthcare provider.

Access the Kentucky COVID-19 page
March 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered gyms, exercise facilities and spas to close.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor has issued a Healthy at Home order, stating that only life-sustaining businesses may remain open. And, he also ordered all non-emergent, non-urgent medical and healthcare practices to close.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor has issued a four-phase structure for reopening of healthcare businesses which will allow massage therapy locations to reopen on May 25 with the following guidelines under Phase I.
July 13, 2020 - The Governor ordered that everyone in the state must cover their noses and mouths with a face covering in defined situations.

Access the Louisiana COVID-19 page
March 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers and gyms to close.
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor has extend his emergency provisions order through May 15.
June 1, 2020 - As of May 15, the Governor announced Phase One of his Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana. As of June 1, no date has been announced for Phase Two, and massage establishments must remain closed.
June 2, 2020 - The Governor announced that the state will move to Phase Two of its reopening plan on June 5, except for Orleans Parish, which remains in Phase One. Massage therapists outside of Orleans Parish will be allowed to reopen at 50% of capacity in Phase Two.
June 10, 2020 - The Mayor of New Orleans has announced that Orleans Parish will enter Phase Two of its reopening plan, effective June 13. Massage therapists will be allowed to open at 50% of capacity, and need to follow guidelines in the announcement and State Fire Marshal Phase Two guidelines, and accept clients by reservation or appointment only. Watch video explaining reservations and contact tracing.
July 13, 2020 - The Governor announced a mandatory mask requirement as the state remains in Phase Two of the Roadmap for a Resilient Louisiana.

Access the Maine COVID-19 page
March 25 2020 - The Governor has ordered massage facilities, spas, fitness and exercise gyms and similar personal care and treatment facilities and services to be closed.
May 22, 2020 - The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation has provided basic information on massage therapy practice during Stage 1 of the Governor’s order. Stage 3 of the Governor’s plan includes “massage facilities” among other businesses. On May 13, the state emergency order was extended 30 days.
May 31, 2020 - The Governor updated her executive order.
June 22, 2020 - The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation announced, based on the Governor’s Restarting Plan and subject to the DHHS COVID-19 Guidance for Health Care Providers, “health care-related massage therapy services” may now be provided by LMTs. All other types of massage must wait until Stage 3 (expected to begin on July 1, depending on health metrics).
July 7, 2020 - The Department of Economic and Community Development has provided information on Stage 3 reopening, with guidelines for reopening massage therapy and spa services.

Access the Maryland COVID-19 page
March 25, 2020 - The Governor has ordered health spas, health clubs, fitness centers and gyms to be closed.
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order and directed non-essential businesses to close.
April 3, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order and directed all elective and non-urgent medical procedures and appointments to cease.
May 13, 2020 - The Governor issued a renewed Stay-at-Home order through May 30.
May 20, 2020 - The Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners has informed massage therapists of state Health Secretary Neall’s Amended Directive and Order Regarding Various Healthcare Matters. The new directive permits licensed massage therapists (“LMTs”) to perform massage in health care settings, if certain conditions are met. At this time, Registered Massage Practitioners (RMP's) are not allowed to reopen.
June 4, 2020 - Governor Larry Hogan has announced Executive Order 20-06-03-01 that allows massage establishments to reopen, effective at 5:00 p.m. on June 5, at 50% occupancy and are required to follow applicable state guidelines. Gyms and fitness centers are to remain closed at this time. A political subdivision can make an independent decision to close any business in their jurisdiction, so please check local guidance before reopening.

Access the Massachusetts COVID-19 page
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.
April 22, 2020 - The Division of Professional Licensure, Board of Registration of Massage Therapy announced that it will accept online interactive learning for initial massage therapist licensure requirements, except for 150 supervised classroom hours of massage theory and technique and 100 required hours of unpaid and supervised clinical or externship experience.
April 27, 2020 - The Board of Massage Therapy has confirmed the Governor’s order that massage therapists whose licenses expire during the state of emergency have up to 90 days after the state of emergency has been lifted to renew their licenses, without incurring any late fees.
April 28, 2020 - The Governor has announced that the state’s stay-at-home advisory will remain in effect and that non-essential services must remain closed until May 18.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued a reopening plan for the state.
June 2, 2020 - The Governor’s Executive Order permits Phase II businesses, including massage therapy locations, to reopen their physical workplaces to workers only to conduct necessary preparations prior to the start of Phase II. Preparations include, but are not limited to, completing a COVID-19 Control Plan, implementing sector-specific protocols, and complying with Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.
June 22, 2020 - The Governor announced that Step Two of Phase II of the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan, Reopening Massachusetts will begin June 22. Massage therapists will need to meet state requirements and comply with specific guidelines and standards (including self-certification).

Access the Michigan COVID-19 page
March 20, 2020 - The Governor has ordered gyms , fitness centers, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, and spas to be closed until March 30.
March 31, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay home, stay safe order that “all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons outside a single household are temporarily prohibited.”
April 27, 2020 - The Governor has amended the scope of her previous order and extended it through May 15.
May 1, 2020 - The Governor has issued a new State of Emergency order through May 28.
June 1, 2020 - While the Governor has announced Phase 4 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan, massage therapists are still required to remain closed per section 12C of the order.
June 8, 2020 - The Governor has announced that massage therapists in regions 6 and 8 (Traverse City and Upper Peninsula regions) of the state will be allowed to reopen on June 8 if they follow guidelines in Section 11 of this executive order. Massage therapists in the rest of the state will be allowed to reopen on June 10, with the same guidelines.
July 13, 2020 - The Governor ordered that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space or in crowded outdoor spaces. Additional guidelines apply for clients and those providing personal services, including massage therapists.

Access the Minnesota COVID-19 page
March 18, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers, exercise studios, gyms, athletic clubs, spas, salons and businesses offering massage therapy or similar bodywork to close.
April 10, 2020 - The Governor has extended his stay at home order and notice of business closures through May 3.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued a reopening plan for the state.
May 27, 2020 - The Governor announced that massage therapists are allowed to reopen on June 1, with specific guidance and restrictions.

Access the Mississippi COVID-19 page
March 26, 2020 - The Mississippi State Department of Health has advised all non-essential healthcare providers to postpone appointments for a later date. The Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy has extended license renewals due to expire May 31, 2020 to August 27, 2020 with no late fee after May 31.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor has ordered non-essential businesses to be closed, including spas, gyms, fitness centers and similar facilities.
April 27, 2020 - The Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy clarified that massage therapists are allowed to reopen, and provided suggested guidelines.

Access the Missouri COVID-19 page
March 31, 2020 - At this time, there is not a statewide mandate on closings, essential versus non-essential services or a stay-at-home order. The following cities/counties have issued restrictions that may affect massage therapists:

St. Louis – The Mayor has issued a stay-at-home order and the health commissioner has ordered massage locations, gyms and fitness centers to be closed.
Kansas City – The Mayor has issued a stay-at-home order and the city has provided FAQs on what the order covers.

April 6, 2020 - The Governor has issued a “Stay Home Missouri” order stating that residents should avoid leaving their homes unless it is necessary.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor has extended his state of emergency order through June 15.
June 1, 2020 - While much of the state remains closed, several counties have reopened businesses, with massage therapist allowed to reopen, with specific conditions.

Massage therapists in St. Louis County are allowed to reopen with specific conditions.
The Eastern Jackson County Recovery Plan (affecting Kansas City, MO) allowed massage therapists to reopen under Phase 1, with restrictions. As of June 1, Phase 2 is activated and massage therapists are allowed to reopen at 50% of capacity.

Access the Montana COVID-19 page
March 25, 2020 - The Governor has ordered health clubs, health spas, gyms and fitness studios to be closed.
April 9, 2020 - The Governor extended his previous directives through April 24.
April 22, 2020 - The Governor issued an order that allowed massage therapists to reopen in Phase 1 of his reopen plan, with conditions for practice in Appendix A.

Access the Nebraska COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has ordered closures of some businesses, including gyms, fitness centers and salons in specific counties.
April 10 - The Governor has extended his stay-home-and-stay-safe order and issued closures of specific businesses in selected counties, with most extended through May 11. All massage therapy services in the state are directed to be closed through April 30.
April 28 - The Governor has ordered that the closure of massage therapy services is extended to May 3, but that this date will be extended further for some areas of the state. As of May 4, massage therapy services will be added to the list of gatherings subject to the 10-person rule and other guidelines the Governor will provide.
May 4 - The Governor has issued an executive order allowing massage therapy services in some counties to reopen, subject to his 10-person rule and other guidelines. Other counties will be allowed to open based on specific guidelines on May 6.
May 26, 2020 - The Governor announced new directed health measures (DHMs) to take effect on June 1, allowing massage therapists in all but four counties to reopen on that date, with general guidelines.
June 18, 2020 - The Governor announced that new Directed Health Measures (DHMs) will take effect June 22. Most counties will move to Phase 3 of reopening, with new guidelines for massage therapists. Dakota, Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties will move to Phase 2.

Access the Nevada COVID-19 page
March 25, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor has extended his order to close non-essential businesses through April 30, 2020.
May 5, 2020 - The Governor has extended his stay at home order through at least May 15.
May 22, 2020 - As of May 20, Nevada is in Phase One of the Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery Plan.
May 27, 2020 - The Governor has announced that Phase 2 of the state’s Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan will go into effect on Friday, May 29. Massage therapists can reopen with specified conditions.

Access the New Hampshire COVID-19 page
March 27, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order to clarify that massage therapists’ CE requirements for licenses scheduled to renew between March 31, 2020-December 31, 2020 are waived. The order also modifies requirements for massage therapy students currently enrolled in a massage school. The Governor extended his emergency order on May 15 for an additional 21 days.
June 2, 2020 - The Governor’s Economic Reopening Taskforce has issued guidelines for massage therapists who were allowed to reopen on June 1.

Access the New Jersey COVID-19 page
March 16, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gyms to close.
March 22, 2020 - The Governor has directed all residents to stay at home until further notice, and has directed the closure of all non-essential businesses.
May 8, 2020 - While the Governor has issued a 6-point plan for reopening the state, under his executive order, massage therapy locations must remain closed until at least June 5.
June 9, 2020 - The Governor issued Executive Order 152 and Executive Order 153.
June 15, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that will allow massage therapists to reopen on June 22, if they follow standards issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs and the NJ Department of Health.

Access the New Mexico COVID-19 page
March 18, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all resort spas, health clubs and athletic facilities to close.
March 30, 2020 - The New Mexico Higher Education Department has granted an emergency waiver to all state-authorized, private post-secondary educational institutions to offer distance education.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor extended her order to close certain businesses through April 30.
May 14, 2020 - The Governor has issued an extended order through May 31 which keeps massage therapy locations closed.
May 29, 2020 - The Governor has amended New Mexico’s Emergency Public Health Order, and massage services can begin operating at 25% occupancy on June 1. As massage therapy establishments reopen, they must operate in accordance with COVID-Safe practices.

Access the New York COVID-19 page

March 16, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gyms, spas and salons to close.
March 22, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all residents to stay at home and all non-essential businesses statewide to close.
April 13, 2020 - The Governor has updated his executive order related to non-essential businesses.
May 13, 2020 - The Governor has issued essential businesses guidelines under his New York State on Pause executive order.
June 9, 2020 - The Governor’s New York Forward plan will allow massage therapists to reopen in Phase Three, but a date for when the state will reach that phase and if it will be applied by regions has not be announced. Summary Guidelines for massage therapists are provided, as well as Detailed Guidelines under Phase Three: Personal Care. When the date for reopening is announced, business owners will need to complete The Business Affirmation Form online, and must complete and print the Business Safety Plan Template so it is readily available on-site should it be requested during an inspection.
June 11, 2020 - The Governor has announced that five regions of the state, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Southern Tier can enter Phase Three of reopening on June 12. Massage therapists in these regions will need to follow the guidelines in our post of June 9.
June 15, 2020 - The Governor has announced Western New York is expected to enter Phase 3 of reopening June 16, with the Capital Region expected to do so on June 17, following a review of regional data by global public health experts. Business guidance for Phase 3 is available here.
June 24, 2020 - The Governor announced updates on new reopening phases for several areas of the state.
July 6, 2020 - New York City enters Phase 3 of reopening on July 6.

Access the North Carolina COVID-19 page
March 16, 2020 - The state regulatory board has notified massage therapists that it will allow all CE classes to be taken online through December 2020.
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gyms, yoga studios and massage locations to close.
April 15, 2020 - The Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has announced it will allow non-hands-on classes by massage therapy schools to be provided online.
May 8, 2020 - While the Governor has issued a reopening order for some businesses, most massage therapy locations must remain closed. But, massage therapists may provide medical massage therapy services with the specific referral of a medical or naturopathic healthcare provider (Section 5A).
May 21, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order that allows massage therapists to reopen if they follow specific guidelines issued by the state Department of Health and Human Services. Some municipalities and counties may maintain local orders for massage therapists to remain closed.

Access the North Dakota COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - Effective at 12:00 a.m., Saturday March 28, the Governor ordered all elective personal care services, including massage facilities and individual massage therapists to close and cease operations. The Governor’s order is to continue through Monday, April 6, 2020.
April 20, 2020 – The Governor’s order has been extended until April 30.
April 29, 2020 - The Governor has announced a “Smart Restart” process to reopen some businesses, which includes specific guidelines for how a massage therapist or massage therapy establishment can begin seeing clients.

Access the Ohio COVID-19 page
March 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all health clubs, fitness centers, workout facilities, gyms and yoga studios to close.
March 19, 2020 - The Ohio Department of Health has ordered the closure of all massage therapy locations.
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities.
April 28, 2020 - The Department of Health has clarified that massage therapy locations, health clubs, fitness centers, workout facilities, gyms, and yoga studios are to remain closed as part of existing Stay at Home Orders.
May 1, 2020 - The State Medical Board has clarified that massage therapy locations are not included in the Ohio Department of Health’s Responsible Restart Ohio plan. Only massages done as part of a patient’s plan of care, in a health care setting may continue.
May 12, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that allows massage therapy sectors licensed by the State Medical Board to reopen on May 15. The State Medical Board has provided guidelines for massage therapists who choose to reopen.

Access the Oklahoma COVID-19 page
March 25, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed. The Governor has also ordered that all occupational licenses (which includes massage therapy licenses) that expire during the emergency order are extended until 14 days after the end of his order.
April 24, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order that massage therapists and spas could reopen if they follow specific guidelines. See this additional information from the state Advisory Board on Massage Therapy.

Access the Oregon COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered medical spas, day spas, gyms, fitness studios and “non-medical massage therapy services” to close.
April 6, 2020 - The Board of Massage Therapists has clarified medically-necessary massage as massage prescribed by a physician “for the health of the patient.”
May 14, 2020 - The Governor has announced a phased reopening beginning tomorrow, May 15 for individual counties in Oregon meeting specific criteria. Additionally, the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists has provided information and the Oregon Health Authority has given reopening guidelines for massage therapists.

Access the Pennsylvania COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has approved suspending restrictions on distance-learning continuing-education requirements for massage therapists.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor updated a previous stay-at-home order to apply to the whole state.
April 9, 2020 - The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) has granted a temporary suspension of the State Board of Massage Therapy’s regulations and statutory provisions related to CPR certification.
May 1, 2020 - The Governor has announced reopening of some businesses in selected counties on May 8, but maintained the closure of massage therapy locations, spas and gyms.
June 1, 2020 - The Governor extended his previous Executive Order through June 4.
June 4, 2020 - Governor Wolf's phased reopening plan uses a three-phase matrix to determine when counties and/or regions are ready to begin easing some restrictions on work, congregate settings, and social interactions. Read his latest announcement.
June 19, 2020 - The Governor has announced that eight more counties will move to the green phase, effective today, June 19.
June 24, 2020 - The Governor announced that 12 more counties will move to the green phase of reopening on June 26. This will include Philadelphia, but local officials will maintain some additional restrictions for the city until July 3. Only Lebanon County will remain in the yellow phase at this time.
July 13, 2020 - The Governor announced a new order from the state Secretary of Health requiring masks to be worn whenever anyone leaves home.

Puerto Rico
April 13, 2020 - The Governor has extended her stay at home order (in Spanish) and closing of non-essential businesses until May 3.
June 1, 2020 - The Governor issued an order that extends the lockdown and curfew measures until June 15, while allowing some businesses to reopen. At this time, she has not specified when massage therapists are allowed to reopen.
July 8, 2020 - The Governor ordered an extension of the emergency lockdown until July 22. Spas and aesthetics salons can operate within the specific guidelines on page 18 of the Executive Order. The Employer Self-Certification, is available on the PR DOL’s webpage and must be completed in full, signed by the employer’s authorized representative and sent along with the Control Plan to autocertificacionprosha@trabajo.pr.gov.

Access the Rhode Island COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gymnasiums, fitness centers and similar exercise facilities and spas closed.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor extended her stay-at-home order through at least April 13.
May 5, 2020 - The Governor’s stay-at-home order has been extended until at least May 8.
May 22, 2020 - While the Governor has allowed some businesses to reopen, massage therapy practices are to remain closed at this time.
May 27, 2020 - The Governor has announced her Reopen RI plan that will allow massage therapists to reopen in Phase 2. The date for Phase 2 has not yet been announced.
June 1, 2020 - The Governor has announced Phase 2 of her reopen plan that allows massage therapists to reopen on June 1.

Access the South Carolina COVID-19 page
March 27, 2020 - The South Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy will allow all approved licensed massage schools to offer pre-licensure course work online in lieu of meeting face-to-face in the classroom as required by statutory provision.
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage therapy establishments, massage services, fitness centers, yoga studios, gyms and spas to be closed.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor issued a “Home or Work” order requiring residents to stay at home or at work, and reinforced his previous order for closures.
May 13, 2020 - The Governor has announced that massage-therapy establishments and massage services are allowed to reopen “in a limited capacity” on May 18, with general guidelines for close contact and/or service industry employers.

Access the South Dakota COVID-19 page
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has encouraged social distancing and asked businesses to abide by CDC guidelines.
April 28 2020 - The Governor’s Back to Normal Plan allows massage therapists to resume practice.

Access the Tennessee COVID-19 page
March 19, 2020 - The Governor has extended the expiration dates of massage therapy & other health licenses for 3 months.
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered gyms, fitness/exercise centers or “substantially similar facilities” to temporarily close and suspend in-person services until April 6, 2020.
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has clarified his previous order to include massage therapy establishments and massage services be closed.
April 13, 2020 - The Governor has expanded his previous orders, which included the closing of massage establishments, to further clarify non-essential healthcare procedures that are to be postponed.
May 1, 2020 - The Governor has issued the Tennessee Pledge: Reopening Tennessee Responsibly, which details provisions for massage-therapy establishments and massage services to reopen to clients. Guidelines for massage therapists to follow begin on page 19 of the Governor’s plan.
May 22, 2020 - The Mayor of Nashville has announced that Phase 2 of his reopen plan for the city will allow massage therapists to reopen on May 25, with limitations.

Access the Texas COVID-19 page
March 20, 2020 - The state regulatory board will allow current licensed schools to offer distance education, but they will not satisfy requirements of hands-on curriculum.
March 21, 2020 - The Governor has also ordered gyms, spas and massage therapy locations to close from March 20 - April 3.
March 25, 2020 - The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation has waived continuing education requirements for all licenses expiring in March, April and May 2020.
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has renewed and expanded his previous order through April 30, 2020 including the closing of massage establishments and gyms.
April 22, 2020 - The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has clarified that a massage therapist may only provide massage services if it is medically necessary as determined by the client's physician or chiropractor. Massage therapists may not provide massage services for general wellness or other non-medically necessary reasons.
April 28, 2020 - While the Governor has issued an expanded reopening order, people are told to avoid massage therapy establishments and gyms, among several other businesses.
May 8, 2020 - While the Governor has issued an amended order related to reopening of some businesses, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation has clarified that massage therapy establishments are to remain closed.
May 19, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order under phase two of his reopen plan that allows licensed massage therapists and massage therapy schools to reopen as of May 18, except for those in five counties. El Paso, Randall, Potter, Moore, and Deaf Smith counties have experienced surges in COVID-19 cases, and their beginning date of Phase II is delayed until May 29. The state has issued Minimum Standard Health Protocols for those massage therapists who choose to reopen.

Access the Utah COVID-19 page
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has encouraged social distancing and asked businesses to abide by CDC guidelines.
April 7, 2020 - The following counties have issued restrictions that may affect massage therapists:

Davis County – The Health Department issued a stay safe, stay home order which includes a requirement for all massage establishments and spas to be closed.
Salt Lake County – The Mayor and County Health Department issued a stay home, stay safe order which requires all massage establishments and spas to be closed through at least April 13.
Summit County – The Health Department issued a stay at home order that also restricts non-essential businesses until at least May 1.

May 22, 2020 - The Governor’s color-coded phasing process allows some businesses to reopen, based on risk factors per area. Additional information related to reopening for massage therapists is scheduled for the week of May 25.
June 2, 2020 - The Governor announced updated guidelines for areas in the low health risk designation under the state’s phased health guidance plan. Guidelines for massage therapists in all risk regions are on page 17.

Access the Vermont COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor orders closure of all but essential places of business.
April 10, 2020 - The Governor has extended his executive order through May 15.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor extended his executive order through June 15.
June 1, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that allows massage therapists to reopen on June 1, with specific guidelines in section 8.1.

Access the Virginia COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers to limit capacity to 10 patrons or close.
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers, gyms and massage locations to be closed and issued a stay-at-home order.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor has issued his Forward Virginia Blueprint for a three-phase reopening of businesses. Under Phase 1, massage therapy locations may reopen on May 15, under specific guidelines.
May 12, 2020 - Governor Northam has issued a subsequent order to his Forward Virginia Blueprint that maintains Northern Virginia in Phase Zero, effective on May 15.
May 27, 2020 - The Governor has announced Phase 1 of his Forward Virginia reopening plan, which will now allow massage therapists in some parts of Northern Virginia to reopen on May 29, with restrictions. Check with your city/county to confirm if you are able to reopen on that date.

Access the Washington COVID-19 page
March 16, 2020 - The Governor has provided guidelines for massage practice in the state. The Governor has also ordered gyms and spas to close until March 31.
March 23, 2020 - The Governor issued a “stay home, stay safe” order and specified essential businesses.
April 1, 2020 - The Governor updated the state “stay home, stay safe” order.
April 6, 2020 - The Department of Health has issued a health alert for massage therapists, stating that they should only provide massage to patients with urgent medical issues. A prescription alone is not sufficient to establish urgent care.
April 10, 2020 - The Department of Health has extended the date for massage license renewals during the period of April 1 and September 30 until September 30.
April 28, 2020 - The State Department of Health has issued a Health Alert for massage therapists that provides information on when a massage therapist may provide massage and actions the massage therapist needs to take in order to provide massage. The Governor’s proclamation in March allows massage therapists to continue providing essential health services, but they are not required to do so.
May 5, 2020 - The Governor has extended and amended his Stay Home – Stay Healthy order through May 31.
June 4, 2020 - The State Department of Health released additional guidance for massage therapy related to the Governor’s May 18 Executive Order. The guidance states that a licensed massage therapist is providing a “health care service” and that their service can be provided at any location statewide, as long as all state laws governing massage therapy are met.

Access the West Virginia COVID-19 page
March 18, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers and gyms to close.
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor issued a new executive order on May 4.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that will allow massage therapists to reopen on May 30, with limitations.
July 8, 2020 - The Governor has mandated the wearing of face coverings indoors.

Access the Wisconsin COVID-19 page
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.
May 21, 2020 - The state Supreme Court ruled that Governor Evers’ Safer-at-Home order was unenforceable. However, municipalities or counties can issue restrictions, including on massage therapy practice. Check with your municipality to confirm that you are legally able to practice.
July 13, 2020 - The state has issued guidelines for opening of personal services, including massage therapy.

Access the Wyoming COVID-19 page
March 18, 2020 - The Wyoming Health Department has ordered all gyms to close through April 3.
March 25, 2020 - The Department of Health has ordered all gyms to be closed.
April 29, 2020 - The Department of Health has extended the closure of massage therapy services (except for massage for medical purposes) with specific guidelines, through May 15.
May 1, 2020 - The Department of Health has extended the closure of massage therapy services (excluding massage for medical purposes) through May 15.
May 14, 2020 - The Governor issued an order that allowed massage therapy locations to reopen in a limited capacity on May 1.