Good morning everyone,

I've been in contact with the people who run the major associations for massage therapy, and the guidance they are giving us is that because of the kind of work we do as massage therapists, we need to close down our practices for two to four weeks. I know this will disappoint many of you, but the fact is that we all need to be safe, and there is no way to perform massage while "social distancing." I've done reading about different professions and their risk. My concern is not really that I will get ill, but rather that I will pass it along to a friend, family member or one of you. 

Luckily, Brooks works from home and his job isn't affected at all. In fact, the only serious effect he'll have is me at home all day. Trying not to go stir crazy. I have plenty of projects in the mix that I can work on, and online classes I can take to get my CEUs for my massage license, but the reality is I would rather be working. You would rather that, too.

Once this crisis is over and we have a better idea of how well we have "flattened the curve" I am hopeful they will reduce the restrictions on all of us so we can slowly get life back to normal. Please know that I would much rather be working on all of you and making you feel better. I'm cancelling my own massages and personal appointments where social distancing is not an option. Please help your neighbors and friends as they need it, and share with those in the service industry or tourism industry who will be hit hard by this. 

Support your local businesses, your seniors and high-risk individuals in safe ways, and keep yourself and your family safe. I want to see all of you back on my table soon.

All the best to all of us together, 

I wanted to let you know what I am doing to keep myself and my clients safe and what I ask of you during this time. I will update my Facebook Page with additional information and the most recent updates will be there.

I have so many clients who fall into the high risk group of over 60 or with compromised immune systems. Please, do not risk my health or theirs if you are ill yourself or have been in contact with anyone who has. I love all my clients dearly and most of you have been with me for years. Do not risk the health of my other clients by coming in to see me if you might have the virus or you've been in contact with anyone who has. I would be devastated were anything to happen so be thoughtful and considerate of others as you evaluate yourself.

Before the start of the day and between client appointments, I am doing the following: 

• As always I am washing my hands for about 30 seconds up to the elbow before and after each client. I use a towel to open and close my office and the restroom door after washing my hands.
• As always I am changing all linens to fresh linens, including the face cradle.
• I am sanitizing the foot bolster and changing the pillowcase on the leg pillow.
• I am sanitizing all doorknobs and the restroom keys. 
• As always I am careful to never touch my face during a massage. 
• I am cleaning out the inside of my laundry hamper each day as I do laundry at home and I wash everything on the highest heat setting. 
• Note:  There are surfaces that I do not have control over - the doors into and out of the building, the banisters in the stair well, the elevator and the hallway. Do not touch these surfaces, or if you have to, please wash your hands afterwards.

In addition, I ask the following of all of you.

• Please check yourself for a fever before you come in to see me. I realize that the virus may be spread before you are symptomatic, but if you do have a fever, cancel. (I am checking mine each morning as well)
• If you have a dry cough or respiratory symptoms, please cancel and let us reschedule for a later date. More on symptoms here:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html 
• If you are in the high-risk group and have and doubts about coming in for a massage please cancel. 

I realize this is a stressful time and things are ever changing. I want to provide a safe environment for you to be able to relax, and to do that, I need your help as well. 

Please make sure you are healthy before you come in for a session. If you have to cancel at the last minute due to illness, please, don't worry about a cancellation fee, just cancel. We all have to work together to get through this. 

I want to be able to continue to provide massage to all of you within the guidance of the CDC and our local health departments. I will update you as anything changes with my practice. 

Thank you all, 
Heather