This page is meant to be a “Blast From the Past” snapshot of what was going on with “industry best practices” from March 2020 to April 2023. As of April 3, 2023, Oregon Health Authority removed the mask requirement in healthcare settings.
COVID-19 has changed a few things. Most important: 1. everyone will be masked for the duration of each session. I’m looking forward to our sessions!
Please note we are still learning mysterious things about COVID-19. I’ve collected research and news in this LINKTREE if you want to learn more. One thing to be aware of is that COVID-19 can lead to coagulopathy and deep vein thrombosis, regardless of if you are symptomatic or asymptomatic. (This is why many massage therapists have left the industry.) Massage could be problematic if you recovered from COVID-19. I ask that you get a doctor’s clearance before booking massage if you had or think you had COVID-19.
We honor the need for caution regarding this virus. Because massage therapists observe “universal precautions” to avoid transmission of diseases, information from government agencies and news sources ensure additional and appropriate precautions are in place.
We are open for new appointments.
If you are ill, please cancel your appointment & seek medical care.
We collect COVID-19 related news in this LINKTREE.
Our safety protocol:
The following actions will continue at Caring Portland Massage to ensure your session is clean and safe:
. All clients will wear face coverings for the duration of the session. If you do not have a face covering that completely covers your nose and mouth, you will be provided a face covering. If you refuse to wear a face covering, your session is cancelled.
. Therapist double masked (n95 with fresh cloth mask or K95/KN94) when indoors. Therapist fully vaccinated.
. Cleaning is thorough and diligent; including door handles, writing implements, and hard surfaces. Linens, tools, bottles, hands, work surfaces will per standard practice be kept clean.
. Awakenings Wellness Center has in-house policy of cleanliness that includes a schedule of thoroughly sanitizing handles, knobs, keypads, furnishings – anything that a person may come into contact with will be sanitized. Our landlord replenishes cleaning agents (wipes, soaps, bleach, sanitizer, sprays) to support this consistent cleaning.
. Temperature checks available.
. Therapist to meet you at the side entry to open the door for you. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building and treatment room. At departure, you will be escorted to the exit to keep your hands clean.
. Therapist wears a clean apron for each session to help reduce potential transmission.
. As is standard practice, linens (including blanket) are changed out for each client – hand washing and table washing occurs between the sets of linen.
. The practice table is covered with a washable surface that is sanitized before fresh linens are put out.
. CDC approved cleaning products are used for the recommended time allotments for maximum effectiveness.
As of February 2021, Therapists are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and thus will no longer wear a face shield. As of March 15, 2021, massage therapist will change outer attire if that garment comes in physical contact with a client. Apron will continue to be changed between sessions. These modifications are based on ABMP’s Ruth Werner’s latest suggestions based on science to keep everyone safe in our changing landscape. As of May 20, 2021, contact tracing protocol was removed for Personal Care Services. Your general appointment information may still be requested by authorities if an outbreak occurs. Since Covid-19 is reported as unlikely to be contracted through touching objects, chairs will no longer be covered with unique sheet per client.
Gift certificates are available – redeemable later for yourself, or gift to others.
Donations to “pay it forward” to low-income folks seeking massage are accepted.
Please see PDX Mutual Aid linktree for resources and ways you can help others:
https://linktr.ee/pdxmutualaid This includes a spreadsheet compiling local resources such as drop-in centers, food banks, and more.
Resources for testing in Portland area:
Testing is now fairly wide-spread and available. If you need support or resources, please try calling 211!
The below is from April-May 2020:
Free covid testing for symptomatic folks at Walgreens (online screening to set up drive-through appointment https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing)
SEI is partnering with OHSU to ensure Black individuals get access to testing (https://www.selfenhancement.org/urgent) (states “All who arrive for testing must have developed upper or lower respiratory symptoms within the past 14 days, with or without fever”)
OHSU “low barrier” testing at drive-through (ok if you use max/bus) sites Expo Center and in Hillsboro – no charge for people with no insurance. Must be symptomatic OR
state you’ve been exposed to someone who’s been diagnosed (if you’ve been at marches, you qualify). Expo Center current hours are Mon-Sat 12-6pm . Friend reported that it’s “quick throat swab instead of the monster q-tip up the nose”. https://www.ohsu.edu/health/coronavirus-resources…
“Low barrier” (aka no cost) drive-through testing for symptomatic folks at East Mult Co Services building 600 NE 8th Street in Gresham – Call 503-988-8939 to make an appointment
Close contacts to C19 cases can contact Communicable Disease Team at East Multnomah County Services for possible testing – call them to see what they can offer you. Maintain quarantine! Call 503-988-8939
Need other support? Try Pandemic of Love website which links to local shared/mutual aid resources.
For people experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster (COVID-19 qualifies), SAMHSA offers toll-free crisis counseling and support through the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990.
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.