Massage is Allowed. Is it Safe?

Alameda county recently jumped two levels in our Covid risk, from orange “Moderate” transmission to purple, “Widespread” transmission.” Which has people wondering if it’s still safe to get a massage.

A lot has changed since the early days of Covid, when massage was not allowed for many months. We have learned more about the way it is transmitted, and the ways it is not. And both the state and county have recognized that personal service providers like massage therapists, do receive training in pathogens and cross contamination as a regular part of their studies. So they’ve reclassified massage and other personal services as relatively low risk activities, and given us specific modifications to follow to reduce the chance of spreading Covid.

Massage, even indoor massage*, is expected to stay open during all phases, including purple "Widespread", from both a state and county perspective. Of course, this may change if we go back into the sort of lockdown we saw in early days, where doctor’s offices are closed, and elective surgeries are postponed.

Which leaves us with the question, “Is it safe for me to get a massage?”

Do what you are comfortable with. Learn about our safety precautions here. Know that my practice is running on a very reduced volume - I’m seeing a maximum of 12 clients a week, and my typical week is smaller than that. I treat everyone who enters my practice, including myself, as if they have an asymptomatic case of Covid - and that informs all of the practices and procedures I follow, from how linens are handled to how surfaces are disinfected.

If you aren’t ready, that’s ok.

I am navigating my own risk tolerances as we go along, and despite massage being allowed to stay open, I may or may not decide to take action before the state or county does. Back in March, I closed my business several days prior to the official shut down, because it seemed like the right thing to do. If I take that action again, I’ll let you know.

But right now, I feel confident in my procedures and redundant safe guards.

* I’ve chosen to go above and beyond and remain outside for a while. Despite the weather turning cooler, it seems to make clients (and me) more comfortable at this time. It adds a very strong layer of redundant protection for us both. And frankly, I think it’s nice being outdoors!

Welcome, New Clients

It’s here! The next phase of re-opening!

After a few weeks to get existing clients and those with prepaid sessions on the schedule, I’m also opening up for new clients in the outdoor location. Book online here or learn more info from a previous post, about how your session will be conducted in the time of Covid.

You’ll get specific location details in your email when you book online.

Check out the outdoor location in this quick video tour…

Can’t wait to meet you!

—Andrea

Re-Opening! Massage In An Outdoor Location

Postscript: Outdoor massage was temporary for just a few months of 2020, and is no longer offered. Please see subsequent newsletter articles for details about our new indoor location.

Hello friends,

I’m excited to announce that I’m re-opening and offering massage in an outdoor location! It’s just a few blocks away from the massage studio. I’ve set up a cozy massage tent in my backyard, and you’ll get the address when you book online. All clients are eligible to get a massage in this location; no doctor’s prescription needed. Book Now

Here’s a quick rundown of all the new things!

Face masks are required for all clients.

Sanitization Every surface a client comes into contact with will be disinfected before you arrive, and again after you leave, with an EPA approved cleaner. There will be longer times between clients to accommodate this, and a $5 rate increase to cover the additional time and cost of each session. I’m also oddly excited by the purchase of an outdoor sink(!) We’ll both be using it to wash our hands just before your session. 

Limited Hours New Hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 12 noon -6 pm. These may change as we move forward… the online schedule will always have the latest.

Not accepting new clients at this time. Online booking will only work for existing clients for now, so I can prioritize their care. This may last for just a few weeks, or for longer, depending upon demand. [UPDATE on Oct 31, 2020: We are now accepting new clients!]

Managing Risk

• You’ll notice shorter sessions, just 55 minutes.

• All clients will be asked before their session if they have symptoms, or have had contact with anyone with Covid in the past 14 days. As usual, if you are sick, you can cancel at any time without penalty. And if I have any symptoms, I’ll reschedule your session.

• Before the start of your session, we’ll take your temperature with a contactless thermometer.

• Medical forms have moved online, and you’ll be asked to update yours before each appointment.

• Contactless checkout. You can still prepay for your session if you like, or you’ll be invoiced for your massage afterward. Please don’t bring cash tips to your session; both online methods now allow you to add a tip.

New Arrival Procedures Per Alameda County regulations, arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to your appointment time. Wait in your car and call me to ensure it’s time to come up. Please come alone to your appointment.

The Location There’s no need to enter a building to get to the backyard massage space; there’s outdoor access around the side of the house. We’ll be shaded from the sun by the massage tent, which is open on three sides to ensure maximum airflow. Be aware that there are two flights of stairs to reach the backyard, and no bathroom access - please plan accordingly.

New For Clients Wear loose, comfortable clothing. The massage tent is semi private, and clients will remain clothed during their sessions. BYOB water if you’d like some after your session. We’ll limit talking to the minimum communication necessary to ensure a safe and comfortable massage.    

Thanks so much for your patience and support. You cannot know how excited I am to see you all again!

Andrea

A Coronavirus Update, Sept 2020

Regulations for Alameda County recently changed, and we now have two options for reopening!

Massage therapists are now allowed to do medical massage indoors (defined as clients having a prescription for massage from their doctor), or we are allowed do outdoor massage.

Since few of my clients have doctor’s prescriptions for massage, and interactions in the fresh air are generally safer in the time of COVID, I chose to pursue outdoor massage. My husband has made our backyard garden a tiny oasis in the past couple of months, so why not? After investing in outdoor equipment, I found I had a new and persistent issue… the air quality from the fires is just too poor to schedule anything outdoors. So that’s on hold for now. And cold weather is around the corner, which is probably going to force us indoors.

The work to get the indoor space ready is a bit more involved and going to take a little time. And since I’m sensitive to air quality problems, I’m staying at home until that clears up, and unable to direct work there just yet.

Regardless of location or timing, we’ll get there eventually.

When that happens, likely I’ll start by reopening for limited hours for existing clients, starting with those who were cancelled when we closed, and people with prepaid packages.

In the meantime, if you’d like to support the massage studio, please consider buying a face mask. They are hand sewn, with love.

And stay tuned to this space!

—Andrea

Support the Studio: Face Masks For Sale!

In addition to being a massage therapist, I'm an avid home sewer. With Five Creeks Massage studio temporarily closed, I've been home sewing face masks. I've already donated about 250 so far, mostly to essential medical staff. With each batch, I innovated until I got good feedback about comfort and fit.  

I'm offering face masks for sale on the Five Creeks website, to offset my costs while the studio is shut down. For each mask purchased, one will be donated. In the past, donations have gone to essential workers, homeless, and hospital staff - about 90% here in Oakland.

Check back frequently and follow us on Facebook, because I’ll be posting new face masks, about once a week!

When does the massage studio re-open? Because of long-duration, close contact, massage is going to be one of the last businesses to be allowed to re-open in the statewide California plan. If we practice right now, we lose our license. I agree with that policy, because no benefit from massage is worth a client dying. Early indications are that massage can only safely resume when there's enough proper PPE to go around, without competing against essential healthcare workers for it. Many of my donated masks go to hospitals to extend the life of their current PPE, which is a tiny but significant step in the right direction. 

Best wishes to you and yours! Be well.  

- Andrea at Five Creeks Massage