Our COVID-19 Procedures and Protocols
The various things we are doing to keep our clinic safe
By Nicole Webb
At the beginning of lockdown 1.0 our hygiene measures were increased and continue to evolve as we roll out into the thick of lock down 2.0
The following measures have been in place, and many of these will continue to be long after lockdown ceases.
1. Appointment time alterations and NO early arrivals
Since March 2020, we rearranged our appointment times to allow for a 15 minute window to sanitise.
While we appreciate clients arriving ‘earlier’ then their session time, we ask that during the pandemic, you arrive no earlier then your allocated time. This is to allow for less ‘cross over’ of people and to give us time to properly sanitize the clinic from the previous client.
2. Sanitising
We ask that you please sanitise or washing your hands before entering the clinic, and again when entering the reception area after your treatment. Hand sanitisers have been added to all stations, including the outside waiting room, the reception area and both clinic rooms for your convenience.
We are sanitising anything and everything that can and will be touched by both client and practitioner alike; including, but not limited to; pens, keyboards, Eftpos machine, seats, light switches, door handles, clients changing station (including chairs / knick knack table / hanging hooks), all clinic equipment (including oil bottles / suction cups and pumps / balms containers / deep tissue massager / heat lamp / microwave / heater controls / supply tubs / supply trolley ) etc.
We are using alcohol bases sanitizers of 70% (or higher). Both Isopropyl and Ethonol are utilised ( not mixed together )
3. Hot washing
As per pre-pandamic, we continue to change linen after every client, but to keep to industry standard to assist killing off potential viruses on linen, we have changed our washing process to a hot washing cycle.
4. 'COVID-19' screening form.
Before every session, we send our clients a ‘COVID-19’ screening form, of which they are required to fill out prior to their session. By completing this form, they are declaring they are healthy and well to the best of their knowledge, and that neither them or anyone in their household are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
5. BYO water bottle
To eliminate touching common things, we have removed the water jug from the clinics. Please remember to BYO water bottle to keep yourself hydrated after your session.
6. Masks
We practitioners have been wearing masks for three months now while we are treating, but now with the new law for Melbourne and Mitchel shire, everyone needs to be wearing a mask if you have left your house for one of the four reasons AND if you are in an area whereby social distancing cannot be maintained; of which a myotherapy / remedial massage clinic is.
You can use a scarf / cloth mask / disposable mask.
We ask that you provide your own, but we have some spares on hand if you need one, at the cost of $1.50.
We dispose of all disposal masks via a medical waste collection bin provided onsite.
For comfort, you are not required to wear a mask whilst face down on the treatment table if you choose not to. We are, however, creating a ‘makeshift’ mask under the table – a fabric bowl under the face crest. I have had the most apprehensive of clients give me the tick of approval. Once you are turned over, we kindly ask for you to pop your mask on
7. Ventilation
Our rooms are spacious, with stock standard vents in the wall, but after each client, while we are sanitising, we ventilate the room further by opening up the window / door.
We are more than happy to ventilate further, during your treatment, to put your mind at ease. We can open the window slightly and keep the clinic door ajar.
8. Temperature Checks
We have been taking clients temperatures for a couple of months now, and have found this to be a great way to further screen any possible missed symptoms. We record these temperatures in your treatment notes.
9. Self Isolate
To protect our practitioners and their families, we do ask that you do stay home/self isolate if you are feeling unwell / if you are feeling as though you may have been in contact with anyone with the corona-virus / have traveled recently / AND if you are awaiting you OR someone in your household are COVID-19 test results
