04/07/2020
You may be used to mobile massage therapist coming to your home in the pre-coronovairus time and are wondering just how things will change when massage therapists are allowed to return to work. I know that if I was going to have a therapist to come to my house to massage me I would want to know how different it will be.
As of today’s date, 2 July 2020, massage therapists are not allowed to return to work and despite not having a definite date to return it is believed that it won’t be long. The Government has just released their guidance for close contact working services (which includes massage therapists) and guidance for workers who have to visit other people’s homes. There is a presumption that this is to enable businesses to make sure they are covid secure and have all the necessary safe practices in place for when the go ahead to restart is given.
So what changes are you to expect when booking a mobile massage therapist in the future for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic?
1. Covid-19 Client declaration form: The mobile therapist will ask you to fill out a Covid-19 Client Declaration form when you book and prior to every appointment you have. This will be regardless of how well you know your therapist – the form must be completed for each appointment.
2. Last minute cancellations: Be prepared for last minute cancellations from your mobile therapist. The therapist will constantly be monitoring his or hers health and be asking the questions that are on the client declaration form of themselves all the time. Should they feel there is any risk to their clients they will cancel and rearrange the appointment for at least 14 days time.
3. Provide your own towels: You will probably be asked to provide your own towels. This is to minimise the amount of products that the therapist needs to carry around in their car and to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
4. Dispose of any rubbish: You may be asked to dispose of any rubbish the appointment produces. For example, the mobile massage therapist will probably be using more couch roll and disposable face cradle covers etc and the guidance asks that, where possible, arrangements are made with the client to dispose of it.
5. Face shields: Your mobile massage therapist will be wearing a face shield. It is compulsory for the therapist to wear a face shield but not compulsory for them to wear a mask. If you feel more comfortable that they wear a mask as well, please let them know. Some therapists may also ask you to wear mask. It is not in the guidance that you do but it is up to the therapist to require it if they prefer it.
6. Reduction in services offered: It is advised in the guidance that therapists should bring the minimal amount of equipment possible so if you are used to mobile hot stones or warm bamboo treatments, your therapist may no longer be offering this. If you used to your mobile massage therapist providing music then expect that not to happen. If you would like music at your appointment it is advised that you play your own music on your own device
7. Price increase : some therapists may have to increase their prices to cover the extra cost of PPE and the longer appointment times.
8. Apron wearing: Your therapist will probably be wearing an apron, either disposable or one that they can wipe down with disinfectant.
9. Longer appointment times: Your appointment will take longer than normal and although your treatment time will most likely be the same the therapist will have to be with you a bit longer to thoroughly clean all their equipment before packing away.
10. Frequent hand washing: Expect your therapist to wash their hands more frequently and for longer. Your mobile massage therapist is not required to wear gloves, but they will be washing their hands as much as possible and using hand sanitiser.
Hopefully, you will be able to enjoy your massage in your home soon and now feel you are more fully prepared for any changes.
Click on the titles below for the full guidance:
Close contact services – working safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance – GOV.UK
Other people’s homes – Working safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19 – Guidance – GOV.UK
