Announcements
Lise is taking applications for Thai Massage Apprenticeships now!
Coping with Covid19 at TMC:
Read on to learn about how we are keeping you safe, as well as keeping ourselves safe during this time of COVID19:
There is an element of risk, even with all the precautions we are taking. Catching the virus is about exposure AND time. During a massage, we are in each others’ space for the entirety of your appointment so exposure time is increased = risk is increased (for both parties) It has been proven that many people are asymptomatic or sick but not yet showing symptoms- so any one of us may be contagious and not be aware. When you come in for an appointment, you agree to this increased risk and agree to hold harmless both myself (Lise Waugh) and the entire crew at The Metta Center in the event you do contract the virus.
What we are doing for you:
Our UV light sanitation lamps clean the air at the end of the day and a UV sanitation box is available to sterilize smaller items. Lise also has a medical grade hepa air filtration system in her treatment room. The room itself has no out inflow circulation keep the temperature more conducive to massage and this also helps reduce air disturbance which can lead to virus spread. The studio overall is more streamlined- we have removed fabric upholstered props, knick knacks and tapestries (heart wrenching changes).
Clean blankets are used for each person in addition to the regular clean sheets. Laundry is done each day. The massage table and Thai mat now have impermeable covers that are washed down after each session with a clean sheet applied for each person.
Every possible surface in and around office cleaned after each client, with a detailed clean at the end of the day.
Massage therapists will be changing clothing between clients.
Due to all these modification, appointments ties are staggered to allow more time for cleaning and to maintain distancing of clients.
As before, hand washing takes place before and after each client and mid sessions if the therapist leaves the room. Gloves are available- and if you prefer we wear gloves when we see you, no worries. Your safety and comfort are important. We have hand sanitizer in multiple places throughout the studio
We no longer have Yoga props for you to borrow- you will need to bring your own. We have a limited number of prop kits available to purchase: $75 for lovingly used mat, blanket, bolster, strap and block. Must order in advance. Yoga students will arrive at the time their instructor indicates, enter directly from courtyard to Yoga room- do not mingle in the common area- that is the safe passage zone for both private sessions and group classes. No waiting here.
Your part of the process:
Arrive wearing a facial covering. You will keep it ON while you are here!
If you arrive early, please wait in your car. Text upon arrival. There is a chair outside our door- if it is not occupied, you may wait there.
Please come straight from your home with clean clothes on. Please DO NOT run errands or go to a crowded store before you come to the studio. This is important- to protect TMC and the guests that follow you. If you are coming from work, please have a clean set of clothes to change into in the restroom, and a plastic bag to store your clothing. Better yet- consider changing just before leaving work.
If you are sick, or suspect you might be getting sick, - DO NOT come in. Same goes for if anyone in your household or anyone you are in close contact with is or feels even slightly sick, even if it NOT COVID. You will be charged for your session if we have to send you home based on symptoms you are aware of
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, but are recovered, wait 30 Days after you are symptom free and have passed 2 Covid tests before you get a massage. This is per WA Massage Board.
FACIAL COVERINGS- Every client needs to be wearing a mask- shields alone are not acceptable unless they are the type that are fully enclosed. The mask stays on for the entire session. If you do not have one, we can provide one. We have disposable masks available for free and handmade masks available for $10.
Regarding table massage/treatment sessions: the face cradle will have a pillowcase hanging down so that you can pull your mask down while you are face down.
You wear a mask to protect us, and we wear a mask to protect you. Hopefully no-one who comes in is sick, but the reality is that many people are asymptomatic or haven’t yet developed symptoms. It is much easier to contain everyones droplets at the source (you) than to filter them (me), and VICE VERSA.
Masks are not negotiable.
Please be aware that if someone who has been in TMC develops COVID-19 symptoms, we will have to close at a moments notice and quarantine for at least 2 weeks. That means all clients in the next 2 weeks (at least) will be cancelled and all the clients who have been in the office in the past week will get a phone call to be informed.
If you develop any symptoms and have been at TMC in the past week or two please notify us as soon as possible. This is VERY IMPORTANT to help stop the spread.
Electronic intake forms & releases are required of all clients (think beginning again). Upon booking you will be sent the link- and you may complete it virtually or print and return. This is to minimize paper and reduce spread.
When you arrive at the The Metta Center:
1) Text your practitioner that you have arrived
2) Enter wearing your mask
3) Do NOT leave your shoes in the front (as in the past)- Yoga students go straight to the Yoga room where the cubbies now exist. Private session clients place their shoes in the cubby in the hall. Class participants: DO NOT enter the hall to the private treatment areas
4) Your temperature and *pulse ox will be taken at the front door.
5) Immediately go back to the bathroom and wash your hands.
*If your levels are below 90, you will be asked to contact your physician and reschedule (normal is 94-100). Low oxygen levels can be an early sign that something is off, not just with COVID. Many people who are asymptomatic ARE having changes in their body but they don’t show up in perceptual ways. There is strong evidence that people with COVID develop blood clots that then cause other problems such as stroke, pulmonary embolism or heart attack. Better safe than sorry.
These procedures are not ideal, and they will not be forever. The more we do today to limit the spread the sooner we can actually get back to “normal”.
Thank you for your patience over the past few months, your support during this time and your willingness to adapt.