Response Protocols to COVID-19 

More than ever, protecting massage therapists and clients starts before you arrive for your appointment.  

Client Arrival and Intake 

• Standard Precautions for all client care:   www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html. 
• Massage therapist will use a no-contact thermometer to take client’s temperature upon arrival; ask the client to reschedule if their temperature is 100°F or higher. If the client is not wearing a mask as you requested during the reminder email/phone call. 

• Initiate doorway screening checklist questions: 

• Have you had a fever in the last 24 hours of 100°F or above? 
• Do you now, or have you recently had, any respiratory or flu symptoms, sore throat, or shortness of breath? 
• Have you been in contact with anyone in the last 14 days who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has coronavirus-type symptoms? 

Health-Intake Updates 

Client understands that, because massage therapy work involves maintained touch and close physical proximity over an extended period of time, there may be an elevated risk of disease transmission, including COVID-19. By signing this form, I acknowledge that I am aware of the risks involved and give consent to receive massage and bodywork from this practitioner 

Prescreening Call 

Questions asked to client day-before reminder/screening call: 

• Have you had a fever in the last 24 hours of 100°F or above? 
• Do you now, or have you recently had, any respiratory or flu symptoms, sore throat, or shortness of breath? 

• Have you been in contact with anyone in the last 14 days who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has coronavirus-type symptoms? 
• If yes on any, reschedule without penalty. 
• Explain revised Cancellation Policy and that there is no penalty if they wake up with cold or flu symptoms and need to cancel on day of, but to still notify you as soon as possible. 
• Take a minute to explain any new protocols as necessary, including the client’s wearing of masks as they arrive for their appointments. Does the client have a mask they can wear? Let them know you can provide a mask and describe to them how you want them to use it during their visit: have the mask on when entering the premises; together, you will evaluate their breathing comfort during the prone positioning portion of their massage session. The mask protocol is consistent with the CDC’s recommendation to the general public advising them to wear a cloth face covering whenever they must leave their home. (Lets dicuss this last statement) 

Room Turnover Sanitation Protocols 

• The use of hospital grade, EPA-approved disinfectants to clean anything the client came in contact with, including your table, face cradle, stool, bolsters, door knobs, side tables, chairs, etc. Follow more stringent state or regulatory agency protocols as required. Following the product manufacturer’s recommendations for contact time (or how long a surface must stay visibly wet before the disinfectant destroys the pathogen).  
• Per CDC recommendations, clean all equipment, devices, and surfaces between each client interaction, including oil or lotion dispensers. 
• Repeat your handwashing protocol and reset the massage chair/table and treatment space for next client. 

Treatment Room & Office Readiness  

Clean 

• Do a deep clean of all spaces. Use EPA-approved cleaning products and protocols on all surfaces in your space, top to bottom. Follow the disinfectant contact time, per the product manufacturer.  
• Clean bolsters, tables, chairs, and stools as directed by the CDC and product manufacturer. Certain porous materials can start to break down with repeated chemical disinfectant use. Barrier protections might be in order for tables, chairs, and bolsters. 
• Clean light fixtures and switches; doorknobs, doors, and door frames. 

• Have hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, and facial tissues available in space. Have disposable paper towels or a standing wipe dispenser available to use when handling doorknobs. 

In-Session Protocols 

Much of what you know about sanitation and hygiene will remain in place, but there are several new considerations to navigate, including taking a client’s temperature, working with a mask, and making sure a client is comfortable while wearing a mask. 

Practitioner Preparedness 

• Hygiene protocols remain standard and customary. The CDC recommends you take steps to ensure everyone adheres to respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, and hand hygiene. Provide supplies for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, including alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with 60%–95% alcohol, tissues, and no-touch receptacles for trash disposal. 

• Have your mask on and adjusted before your client arrives. Keep hair up and away from your face. All other practitioner hygienic protocols apply—no long nails, jewelry, open-toe shoes, flip flops, or sandals. 
• Practitioners should take their own temperature before each work day begins to ensure they are not presenting with any coronavirus symptoms. 
• Avoid shaking hands with clients or hugging. Consider sharing with clients that you’ll eliminate casual conversation and remain in minimal necessary in-session conversation mode through the duration of the session. 
• Apply a ready-made disposable face-cradle cover to your face cradle. Each client will receive a completely new setup.