05/20/2021
***Mask Update***
As you may have heard, Ohio, in alignment with the updated CDC guidance, has changed mask requirements for those who are two weeks past their second covid vaccination (or only covid vaccination in the case of the one shot vaccine). There are exceptions to this mask guidance, and at this time, I am still continuing to require mask wearing of both client and practitioner, regardless of vaccination. The Ohio Department of Health has NOT updated the infection control procedures for the field of massage therapy, and I am in agreement of a delay of any change to mask wearing in my massage practice. I have always seen the main infection control procedures--surface disinfection, air filtration and mask wearing--as being layers that all work together, and that need to be in place until cases per 100,00 reach a low enough level that lifting any of these measures will not pose any undue risk to any clients that I serve. I know we are all eager to move to the next phase of recovering from the pandemic, and we are getting closer! At this time, I am planning on keeping the mask requirement in place until we reach and sustain 50 cases per 100,00 (or less) for at least 2 weeks. At that time, masks will be optional. All other infection control measures, most notably keeping an air filter running at all times, and airing out the room in between each client will continue to be in place for the foreseeable future.
I am grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate this next phase of the pandemic! For further reading, I've linked an excellent article that puts into words the reasoning behind my decision to continue to require masks in my business.
https://www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/what-cdc-s-new-mask-recommendations-mean-massage-therapists?fbclid=IwAR28cKIN_8fKjE2pE8YqZeCvM_lO8UoWxsMiCM7fbCllsGD3su9LBnIFKJQ
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued some new guidance about mask usage among vaccinated people. In short, they said take ’em off—inside and outside, 6 feet apart and closer. But you may be wondering, what does this mean about masks in my session room?