Hello to all our clients and friends! We hope this email finds you and your family healthy and happy!

Our projected opening date will be May 8th for gift card sales only. We will also be available to make your future massage therapy appointments.

May 14th we plan on opening for by appointment only for clients. Currently, many chiropractors are still working in our area along with acupuncturists, dentists, and other professional services for pain relief or wellbeing. It is our belief that our licensed massage therapists are also professionals able to provide relief for those in need.

Since we are not a spa and we offer a lot of medical massage services, we could see people now however we want to move into this cautiously.

As you know small businesses all over are going through some tough times. Ours is no exception. As hard as it has been on us, we have to push forward. We are using this time to invest new ideas into the business so we can safely open and still give you a great experience!

The State has left in place May 8th for some businesses to reopen, however, the state of VA has not given any specifics for massage therapy centers and how to proceed. Because of this, we have created our own policy and best procedures for our re-opening. I personally have successfully owned and ran 5 storefronts with 3 being medical massage and have always taken safety for clients seriously.

Our protocol is based on others states guidelines (such as Colorado), what local chiropractors are doing now who are still operating, and using my best judgment based on my research. The state may update the opening procedures or offer guidelines and if so, we will reevaluate our opening procedures.

SCREENING EVERYONE

We will screen all clients (and staff) over the phone when making a massage therapy appointment, asking the client a list of questions pertaining to COVID-19 symptoms.

The following questions:

• Do you have a fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, dry cough, or shortness of breath?
• Have you been in close contact with anyone who is exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days?
• Have you traveled to another state or used public transportation in the past 14 days?
• Have you been in close contact with any one who have recently traveled to another state or used public transportation in the past 14 days?
• Have you been tested positive for COVID-19 at a medical or laboratory facility?
• Have you come in close contact with anyone who has a suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis

We will also require all staff and clients to wear a mask. We will provide you with a disposable one if you do not have one. You will get this outside our front door.

Once inside we will have hand sanitizer for you and will have a there will be no contact with you and the desk. You will fill our digital intake if you are new and payment will be credit or debit cards only. No Cash. You can still leave gratuity on the card.

When laying on the massage table with your face mask, if it hinders your breathing, your therapist will have you turn your head to the side or will massage you face up or laying on your side. Your therapist will also be wearing a mask.

In addition to the above precautions, we have purchased Germicidal UV lights for our lobby, restroom as well as handheld UV wands for the massage rooms. We are also installing a UV light in our HVAC unit.

These UV products use what is known as far-UVC light. It disrupts airborne viruses but is not harmful to humans. It is very effective in destroying 99.9% of viruses and germs.

MORE SANITATION PROCEDURES

Front door handle with wiped down with Clorox wipes twice an hour or more.

Germicidal UV light installed by the front door and seating area.

Germicidal UV light installed on the desk.

Avoiding the exchange of cash and only accepting credit cards where client can swipe and add gratuity on their own.

Clean and disinfect ALL restroom surfaces including floors, sinks, and toilet bowls throughout the day. Store paper products in a closed cabinet and provide antibacterial hand soap

Wipe down intake tablets after each use with Clorox wipes and UV wand.

Have hand sanitizer in the lobby and break room.

Thorough cleaning of each massage room after each session. Wipe down doors and door handle, stools, chair and anything client touches (each room will have a laminated list for this).

Placement of visible and appropriate signage to communicate to the customer that thorough sanitation procedures are in place.

Ensure that all sinks in the workplace have antibacterial soap available and paper towels.

Please do not hesitate to email us at info@bearrivermassage.com if you have any questions or need additional support. We will be happy to help you!