New Covid Policies:
Mandatory Read
NEW PROCEDURES FOR PRIVATE SESSIONS DUE TO COVID-19
Getting a session will be different for a while, and that is to keep both of us safe and healthy. The following is long (sorry!) but PLEASE read to the end. The requirements for you as a client are NON-NEGOTIABLE. If you have any questions or issues please let me know and we can discuss them. I know some of these things seem excessive and possibly extreme. Maybe they are. But my goal is to keep everyone as safe as possible, and I would rather do too much than do too little. We have had a number of cases here in Whatcom County, and Washington State has been a hot spot. The trajectory of this virus is unknown and since there is so much conflicting information, I would rather err on the side of caution, because my goal is to keep all of you safe and DO NO HARM while helping you increase your health and well being.
There is an element of risk, even with all the precautions we are taking at the studio. Catching this virus is about exposure AND time, and we are in each others’ space for the entirety of your appointment. Hopefully we are both healthy, but it has been proven that many people are
asymptomatic or sick, but not yet showing symptoms. When you come in for an appointment, you agree to the risk and agree to hold harmless both myself (Samantha Dart) and the entire crew at The Metta Center in the event you do contract the virus.
Things we are doing:
We have added UV light sanitation lamps to clean the air, and a UV sanitation box to sterilize your phone, credit cards, and wallet during our session. The room itself has no forced air circulation which keeps the temperature more conducive to massage and also helps reduce air disturbance - which can lead to virus spread. The spaces are more streamlined - we have removed fabric upholstered props, knick knacks and tapestries (heart wrenching changes). Clean blankets will be used for each person in addition to the regular clean sheets. Laundry will be done each day. The massage table and Thai mat now have impermeable covers that are washed down after each session with a clean sheet applied for each person. The soft fleece cover for face cradles have been removed due to the lack of ability to properly clean. Every possible surface in and around the office will be cleaned after each client, with a detailed clean at the end of the day. We have eliminated all cloth surfaces in order to be able to wipe everything down. Pillows are less plentiful, and covered with washable case. Used linens will be kept in a separate container outside the room. I will be changing clothing as well as my mask between clients. As always, I wash my hands before and after each client, gloves will be available if you feel more comfortable with me using them. Due to all these modification, appointments will be spaced out more (30 min instead of 15min) to allow for the time needed for added cleaning. This also involves reducing the amount of pre/post session chat (sorry!). It is important that clients not gather in the entry, so scheduling will prevent crossing paths.
Things I require of you:
When you arrive at the The Metta Center:
*If your O2 levels are below 90, you will be asked to contact your physician and reschedule (normal is 94-100). Low oxygen levels can be an early sign that something is off, not just with COVID. Many people who are asymptomatic ARE having changes in their body but they don’t show up in perceptual ways. There is strong evidence that people with COVID develop blood clots that then cause other problems such as stroke, pulmonary embolism or heart attack. Better safe than sorry. These procedures are not ideal, and they will not be forever. The more we do today to limit the spread the sooner we can actually get back to “normal”.
Please be aware that if someone who has been in my office develops COVID-19 symptoms, I will have to close immediately and quarantine for at least 2 weeks. That means all clients in the next 2 weeks will be cancelled and all the clients who have been in the office in the past week will get a phone call from me to be informed. If you develop any symptoms, and have been in my office in the past two weeks please notify me as soon as possible. This is VERY IMPORTANT to help stop the spread. My goal is to attempt to mitigate all risk factors as much as possible. This is a learning process for all of us, and moving forward modifications will evolve.
Thank you for your patience over the past few months, your support during this time and your willingness to adapt,
Sam
Getting a session will be different for a while, and that is to keep both of us safe and healthy. The following is long (sorry!) but PLEASE read to the end. The requirements for you as a client are NON-NEGOTIABLE. If you have any questions or issues please let me know and we can discuss them. I know some of these things seem excessive and possibly extreme. Maybe they are. But my goal is to keep everyone as safe as possible, and I would rather do too much than do too little. We have had a number of cases here in Whatcom County, and Washington State has been a hot spot. The trajectory of this virus is unknown and since there is so much conflicting information, I would rather err on the side of caution, because my goal is to keep all of you safe and DO NO HARM while helping you increase your health and well being.
There is an element of risk, even with all the precautions we are taking at the studio. Catching this virus is about exposure AND time, and we are in each others’ space for the entirety of your appointment. Hopefully we are both healthy, but it has been proven that many people are
asymptomatic or sick, but not yet showing symptoms. When you come in for an appointment, you agree to the risk and agree to hold harmless both myself (Samantha Dart) and the entire crew at The Metta Center in the event you do contract the virus.
Things we are doing:
We have added UV light sanitation lamps to clean the air, and a UV sanitation box to sterilize your phone, credit cards, and wallet during our session. The room itself has no forced air circulation which keeps the temperature more conducive to massage and also helps reduce air disturbance - which can lead to virus spread. The spaces are more streamlined - we have removed fabric upholstered props, knick knacks and tapestries (heart wrenching changes). Clean blankets will be used for each person in addition to the regular clean sheets. Laundry will be done each day. The massage table and Thai mat now have impermeable covers that are washed down after each session with a clean sheet applied for each person. The soft fleece cover for face cradles have been removed due to the lack of ability to properly clean. Every possible surface in and around the office will be cleaned after each client, with a detailed clean at the end of the day. We have eliminated all cloth surfaces in order to be able to wipe everything down. Pillows are less plentiful, and covered with washable case. Used linens will be kept in a separate container outside the room. I will be changing clothing as well as my mask between clients. As always, I wash my hands before and after each client, gloves will be available if you feel more comfortable with me using them. Due to all these modification, appointments will be spaced out more (30 min instead of 15min) to allow for the time needed for added cleaning. This also involves reducing the amount of pre/post session chat (sorry!). It is important that clients not gather in the entry, so scheduling will prevent crossing paths.
Things I require of you:
- If you are immune-compromised (or living with someone who is) but would still like a session please let me know. My first appointment of the day is for people who need a cleaner environment.
- Do not arrive early for your appointment. If you arrive early, please wait in your car.
- If possible, cash payment is best at this time. Venmo also works. If needed I can take checks and cards, but if this is your payment method please tell me before the session.
- Thai/Structural clients: please come in clean clothes from home, or bring in a clean set to change into
- If you are sick, or suspect you might be getting sick, DO NOT come in. Even if not COVID-19.
- If anyone you are in close contact with is sick or might be getting sick, DO NOT come in. Even if not COVID-19
- If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, but are recovered, I ask that you wait 30 Days after you are symptom free before booking a session with me. This is per the WA Massage Board.
- Every client needs to be wearing a mask the entire time they are in the building. If you do not have one, I can provide one.
- Regarding table massage/treatment sessions: the face cradle will have a pillowcase hanging down so that you can pull your mask down while you are face down.
- If you have COPD or Asthma, we can talk about alternatives - please provide a doctor's note.
- Regarding table massage/treatment sessions: the face cradle will have a pillowcase hanging down so that you can pull your mask down while you are face down.
- Last but not least! Please print and fill out the new intake form located at the bottom of this page. If you are unable to I will have copies at the studio.
When you arrive at the The Metta Center:
- Do NOT leave your shoes in the front (as in the past)
- Your temperature and *pulse ox will be taken at the front door.
- Immediately go back to the bathroom and wash your hands.
*If your O2 levels are below 90, you will be asked to contact your physician and reschedule (normal is 94-100). Low oxygen levels can be an early sign that something is off, not just with COVID. Many people who are asymptomatic ARE having changes in their body but they don’t show up in perceptual ways. There is strong evidence that people with COVID develop blood clots that then cause other problems such as stroke, pulmonary embolism or heart attack. Better safe than sorry. These procedures are not ideal, and they will not be forever. The more we do today to limit the spread the sooner we can actually get back to “normal”.
Please be aware that if someone who has been in my office develops COVID-19 symptoms, I will have to close immediately and quarantine for at least 2 weeks. That means all clients in the next 2 weeks will be cancelled and all the clients who have been in the office in the past week will get a phone call from me to be informed. If you develop any symptoms, and have been in my office in the past two weeks please notify me as soon as possible. This is VERY IMPORTANT to help stop the spread. My goal is to attempt to mitigate all risk factors as much as possible. This is a learning process for all of us, and moving forward modifications will evolve.
Thank you for your patience over the past few months, your support during this time and your willingness to adapt,
Sam
| covid19_pdf_on_site_questionnaire.pdf |
