Going into 2022: Massage Safety with omicron

At this point, I’m waiting to see about what reliable studies say regarding the efficacy of the vaccines and boosters to quell the new omicron variant of SARS-CoV2 to decide about how best to practice massage during this winter.   Although I’m booked well into January at this point, this is just a heads-up that there might have to be some closures this winter.
 
Thanks to the responsibility of such good clients, we’ve stayed safe so far, but more massage therapists are getting COVID despite being vaccinated.  A few of you have had to cancel your massage due to the possibility of having been exposed to COVID, and you were so good to let me know.  You’ve been willing to sacrifice your own comfort by foregoing a massage, and I applaud you for your care of others. . 

I have to think about the little ones you’re all responsible for who can’t be vaccinated and for the immunocompromised, so I err on the side of caution always.  I don’t see anyone who says they haven't been vaccinated, though I will be asking to see the card now, so bring it next time.  I’m encouraging us to all get a booster after six months.   Most of you have.   Here’s proof of mine.

For Our Continued Safety:
I see no more than two people each day.   We continue safe ventilation and filtration of the air, mask, and, of course, wipe everything down with sanitizing wipes and/or cleaners.   After doing a bit more of the latest research, I’ll be working on getting the air exchange rate more safe.  
 
If you don’t feel safe coming for massage, cancel without worry of ever being charged.  If there’s even a slight possibility that you might have been exposed to COVID or anything else that’s contagious, let me know and we’ll reschedule your massage for when it’s safe. 
 
For now, if you’ve done any air travel, wait two weeks before getting a massage.   It sucks, but this may have to be our new normal for now.   And if you spend the holidays with those who aren’t vaccinated, wait two weeks after parting from them before getting a massage.
 
“What if I can produce a negative test?” you might ask.  I’m not relying on testing because the tests aren’t always reliable.  We can be exposed and carry the virus and give it to others for three days before it shows up on a positive test.  This nasty little fact is why this virus is so virulent. A negative COVID test isn’t that helpful for our purposes.
 
If you contract COVID, you may be waiting a long time before your next massage.  Drs. and scientists are in disagreement over when, and even if, it’s safe to get a massage after COVID.  Blood clots are a problem for a long time afterwards, and there’s a possibility that a deep tissue massage could dislodge them with dire consequences.  It’s quite possible that you will need to be careful when getting a massage for the rest of your life, so be sure to tell any massage therapist that you’ve had COVID; it could save your life.  If you get COVID, it doesn’t mean I won’t see you.  It just means we’ll need to have some conversations about when it’s safe for not just you, but also for the most vulnerable of our population.   
 
BOTTOM LINE: WE HAVE TO BE DOG HONEST WITH ONE ANOTHER DURING THIS TIME.  

And speaking of dogs, you’ve been asking to see our new puppy, so let’s end on a happy note.  Here’s Marty:

Ministration's Martin Luther (aka Marty)