CENTERED PRESENCE ON-SITE WORK DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
updated 10/30/2022
SOME ON-SITE SERVICES ARE BACK!
Getting ready to drive to a client’s location for an in-person session. It’s so nice to be back!
I'm happy to say that I can now enjoy offering these services in person:
Vaccination has made it possible for me to return to on-site work. As a massage therapist, I was able to get vaccinated early. I received both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and was fully protected by 2/24/2021. Since that time, I have been busy educating myself about best practices, procuring necessary supplies and implementing safety protocols specific to the services that I offer. And now I'm back!
In continuing my commitment to well-being, I received Pfizer booster shots on 10/1/2021, 4/7/2022 and the updated bivalent booster on 9/7/2022.
THE DARK CLOUDS ARE CLEARING, BUT THEY HAVEN'T CLEARED COMPLETELY YET.
While vaccination is helping, we're still very much in a global pandemic. Emerging virus variants and community spread still require us to be sensible and stay vigilant. So I proceed with caution... and a lot of it.
Here are some of the things I'm incorporating into my return to on-site work:
Phone discussions prior to scheduling the first session to cover what's new and different
Review of risks and consent to receive service
Wearing masks that securely cover the nose and mouth the entire time (read more below)
Pre-session evaluation (temperature check and screening questions)
Increased ventilation (outdoors or indoor with open windows/airflow)
Additional on-site cleaning and disinfecting procedures
Limiting client site visits to only one per excursion
Easing back into in-person work
While I prefer to start working with those who have been fully vaccinated, it is not required as long as you do not have an underlying condition that increases risk for adverse COVID-19 outcome if infected (older age; respiratory, heart or chronic kidney/liver disease; diabetes, obesity, cancer, blood disorders, weakened immune system) -- or -- if someone who is part of your immediate household has such risk and has not been vaccinated.
Vaccination is strongly encouraged, especially if we ever want this pandemic to recede!
We can discuss your situation and determine if on-site services are appropriate for you at this time.
ADJUSTING TO THE CURRENT CONDITIONS
Just as you might typically check the weather conditions before going outside — and dress accordingly — I do the same regarding COVID-19 Community Risk Levels. Based on the current risk classifications established by the CDC, I approach client precautions — and liberties — accordingly, especially when it comes to masking.
LOW RISK LEVEL - Clients have the option whether to mask or not; I always mask.
MEDIUM RISK LEVEL - Clients are required to mask; I always mask.
HIGH RISK LEVEL - All sessions will be postponed until risk level returns to medium.
You can view the current Community Risk Level for your county at COVID ACT NOW.
“After a lengthy lockdown period, it felt great to be getting a massage again. With all of the stress of the past year, my body was more tense than usual. I immediately felt a calming, soothing, movement of energy. I felt restored!
I started off with chair massage for the first session. It was like a gentle reawakening after going a year without massage. Then, for the next session, I was primed and ready for a more intensive table massage. I relaxed on a deeper level, and felt more energized and flexible afterward.
I appreciated the new precautions Michael was taking because it took into account my safety, his safety and that of others. I thought wearing a mask the whole time might feel restrictive, but it didn’t; I thoroughly enjoyed the massage.
It’s so nice to have this back in my life again!”
SO WHAT'S NEXT?
Let's have an individual conversation to see when it's appropriate for you to resume in-person sessions with me. We'll have a chance to review my new ways of working and return in the spirit of happy, healthy and safe!