Covid-19 Update: Remaining Open For Now

Hi everyone! Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve made any updates as I’ve been extremely busy since reopening my practice in June.  I just wanted to send out this update to what’s going on with the upcoming restrictions in our area.

As many of you know, Monroe County is heading towards more restrictions under New York’s Cluster Action Initiative.  There are three zones of restrictions based on the percentage of Covid-19 cases in our area. which begin at yellow, move to orange, then red.  Currently, our area is in the “yellow” zone with added restrictions and with more Covid-19 cases; we are leading to the “orange” zone which will have increased restrictions that will begin to close many non-essential businesses. To read the specifics of this plan you can check it out HERE.

What does that mean for massage therapy?  In the orange zone, general massage and spas will have to shut down.  However, due to our lobbying efforts from the previous shutdown, NY added to the guidelines that massage is essential in any of the 3 cluster zones if deemed a “medical necessity”.  There is no further guidance from the state on what defines “medical necessity” massage and we may receive further clarification in the future to what that means as it is largely open to interpretation. I may need to ask for a doctors note or a prescription in the future in order for you to get a massage.

Under that added guideline, I can still perform massage in any level of restriction for my clients as I view the work that I do for my clients is a medical necessity.  Currently, I’ve decided to remain open even if Monroe County shifts to the next color zone of restrictions. I will closely watch the status of Covid-19 in our area and make the determination to close if the rate of infection & hospitalizations are overwhelming our area.

I’ll continue to take the precautions I’ve implemented since opening in June. If I am feeling unwell for any reason, I will close my practice and not reopen until I have a negative Covid test.  If you are not feeling well for any reason, please reschedule your appointment, even if it is within hours of your appointment.  Your safety is extremely important to me, and I’m doing the best I can to minimize any potential exposure. That being said, I’ll understand if you wish to reschedule or cancel future appointments if you feel that it is too unsafe to come in. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Thanks and have a great day!

Shawn