May Shutdown Update
Coronavirus Update
Hello to you all!
I will warn you this one is a little long but necessary.
I miss all of you something fierce! I am ever so grateful for the connections on social media and such, but there is nothing better than being able to be with y'all in person, working the magic that is massage! Hearing your voices for those who have called has been a close 2nd. If you feel inspired to call, text, or email, please do! I love catching up with every one of you! YOU ARE MY PEEPS!!
I have been keeping up on the changes to the massage industry, and discussing some of the changes that will be coming to our future sessions. I have also been in contact with Susan, the building owner about disinfecting policies at the building site. She plans on being back in Washington this month, and we will hopefully as a collective group come up with acceptable chore distributions. And incorporating things such as available hand sanitizing stations, contact-less soap, and paper towel dispensers, and even foot pedals to make opening the front doors hands-free.
The Washington State Massage Therapy Association sent out a detailed email outlining recommendations for when we can resume our sessions. And after today's announcement of the anticipated re-opening delay, this will give me some time to get the supplies needed to make sure this is done in the safest manner possible. I need to stress, that all of the information I am getting is that these are the safest practices known, but they are not foolproof. I will be abiding by this and the recommendations from other leaders in my field. Some of these will require some help from you.
One thing they mentioned was to get rid of all unnecessary items, such as nick-knacks, pen & paper, and even recommending using thicker sheets and getting rid of blankets. I will be keeping my blankets, as every new table set up has it's own blanket. But, I have thick flannel sheets for those who feel they won't need the extra cover.
Of course, face masks worn by both you and I are required PPE. I will also be purchasing a face shield and protective eyewear. I think that while laying on your stomach, wearing a mask will be difficult for some, especially for those with breathing problems or claustrophobia. So, while face down, I will be placing a pillowcase through the face cradle hole and holding it in place with the face cradle cover. As we turn you over you can then replace your mask. Remember, we can always keep your mask on and do your massage in the side-lying position.
One group recommended a change of clothes with each client and a quick soapy washcloth cleaning of myself between each client. Thank God, the WSMTA recommends just wearing an apron or smock above my clothes to be changed with each person. And thoroughly washing up to my elbows before and after every treatment.
As for disinfecting, I will be adding time between sessions to allow for the proper amount of time for the disinfectants to work. I have purchased a hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution that is approved by the CDC for disinfecting my space. I will be wiping down every surface, so besides being really good at laundry, I will be practicing my white-glove cleaning skills.
The recommendation is that I take your temperature before your appointment via a contactless thermometer. I will also be taking my temperature every day to make sure it is below the 100-degree protocol.
As far as the cancellation policy goes, I hope you all know that it was rarely enforced anyway... but it is now all but obsolete. If you or anyone in your contacts becomes ill or shows any signs of this illness; I and all my other clients will appreciate your rescheduling until at least 14 days have passed since signs began.
To limit exposure during the treatment and before, it is recommended that we communicate by talking as little as possible--- for some of us we are going to have to get disciplined!!!
Before your appointment to get all of your aches and pains and needed focal areas discussed I can call, text, or email you; please just let me know what works best for you and we will make it work. I will also be doing follow-up communications about 48-72 hours post-treatment to ensure that neither of us has had changes in our symptom status.
To make sure that you are as safe as possible while waiting for your appointment, please stay in your car and text or call me when you get to the building. I will then text you when I am ready. This will keep you enclosed in your car, safely tucked away from the general public that can be in the waiting room.
Payments will be best if they are done before your appointment via a debit or credit card. You can either purchase a gift certificate or package online (GC's are on sale at 15% off until May 9th), or I can send you an invoice via your email address for that day's session. This way we are again limiting our face to face contact.
As of now, it looks like I will be included in phase 3 of the re-opening of this beautiful state. This works for me to allow me to get the equipment that I need, and to complete the 14-day quarantine.
Yep, Brandon was told by the VA nurses to shelter in place for 14 days from this past Tuesday, April 28th due to the mild symptoms both he and I have presented with.
Stay well and stay healthy out there my friends! I know some of this seems overwhelmingly different, but rest assured, we will get thru this together!
Teri