Let’s embody a politics of collective care.
We are living in difficult times. If you’re feeling grief about the lack of an effective public health / community response to the covid pandemic…me too! As airborne illnesses continue to pose risk, here are some things that I’m doing - & that we can do together - to keep each other safe.
*For Covid Information & Resources, Check Out The People’s CDC & Clean Air Crew.
Even asymptomatic cases of Covid-19 can result in Long Covid. Repeated infections increase the risk. Reducing viral load & total number of infections is an important harm reduction strategy for our communities. If you want to learn more, Ed Yong has some beautiful writing about the impacts of Long Covid.
MASKING:
Covid-19 is airborne (meaning that it spreads through the air like smoke). I’m wearing an N95 mask during all sessions; & recommending that clients wear high quality (N95 or KN95) masks for the duration of their session, regardless of vaccine status. I have masks at the office if you forget or don’t have one!
SYMPTOM & CASE TRACKING:
I will be canceling sessions &/or blocking off time in my calendar in case of close contact with someone with confirmed covid-19, flu, rsv, etc., or symptoms experienced by myself or anyone in my household.
Likewise, please do not schedule an appointment - & cancel any existing appointments - if:
You’re experiencing symptoms (fever, headache, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, GI complaints, etc.). If you have a chronic illness with ongoing symptoms that mimic infectious illness, I’m trusting you to be discerning about whether your symptoms feel new or different & to test often! RI Mask Bloc is a good place to get rapid tests if you can’t afford them.
You’ve been a close contact of someone with covid-19, Flu, RSV, or someone with symptoms, within the last 10 days.
AIR PURIFICATION
I am utilizing an air purifier sufficient for the size of the office (at least 5x air change per hour), & opening windows throughout the day when possible. C02 in the office always stays below 1000 ppm.
CLEANING & HAND WASHING
The usual steps of changing sheets & blankets, & wiping plastic massage table coverings with disinfectant between clients are being taken. I have stepped up disinfection between clients (doorknobs, etc). I am thoroughly washing my hands before & after all sessions.