Massage In A Time of COVID: Week 7

Holy $#*! It’s August

Welcome to massage in a time of COVID week 7. As it works out for most of these newsletters, I started this one has a one month update. Then, life got in the way and it’s now something more like a month and a half-ish update. Things are still going okay, everyone coming in has been fantastic about wearing masks and being patient and understanding. I range anywhere from “This is good, we got this!” to “OH MY GOD WHAT AM I DOING?!” but as Dory says “Just keep swimming!”

I’ve settled into the cleaning and disinfection routine pretty well. It takes about 20 minutes to get everything wiped down. Then, it needs to air dry for 10 minutes or so before I put linens back on the table in preparation for the next appointment. I found I have to set an alarm reminder or I might forget to put the sheets on!

A few things that have been tweaked as time progresses:

• I now have a card with a date range to give you that reminds you to contact me if you learn about exposure to COVID-19 or test positive.
• MassageBook should automatically send you a request to update your intake form the day before your appointment. I’m double-checking that you’ve updated that instead of emailing or texting a check-in.
• Please wait 14 days to schedule if you have traveled out of the state.
• Please wait 14 days to schedule if you have had visitors from out of state that you haven’t been able to socially distance from.
• There’s a written policy for COVID-19 exposure on my website.

University of Maine Students Returning to Orono:

• If you are a regular client, but just returning to Orono for classes, please wait 2-3 weeks before scheduling a massage.
• Regular clients employed at the university: I’ve talked to many of you about exposure risks, testing, etc. I trust you to be aware of your risks, and I believe most of you are getting tested regularly. Just let me know how things are going.

Meanwhile, I’ve opened up the schedule through October. Just keep in mind that there’s always a chance we may have to cancel your appointment if cases in Orono increase too much or (God I hope not) I get exposed.

Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay negative, my friends.