Important information from North Star on Coronavirus

At the moment there is information everywhere about the Coronavirus. Some of it accurate, some of it just down right ridiculous. As some-one whose livelihood depends on touch and being in close quarters with people, I feel I have a responsibility to ensure that I am following the advice and guidance as provided by the NHS and Public Health England.

There are many things about this situation which we cannot control, and that can be a bit scary. When that happens I like to focus on the things that I can control, and there are practical things we can all do. Most likely we are already doing those things anyhow.

What can I do as a your therapist?

I always wash my hands before and after treatment using anti-bacterial soap. I always do a complete change of bed linens between each client. I always clean my hot stones with an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal/anti-viral sanitiser between each use. The treatment room already gets cleaned regularly. I already diffuse anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal essential oils in the treatment room. If I am ill I will cancel my appointments.

In addition to this I will be giving the treatment room and my equipment additional cleaning between appointments.

What can you do?

The next bit I need your help with to keep the treatment room a safe space for everyone.

If you are displaying any flu like symptoms, acute fever (over 38 degrees), or a new acute continuous cough etc… however mild, let's rebook for when you are feeling well. I won't charge you. Not all sufferers will display severe symptoms and it may be hard to distinguish between a common cold, especially early on in the course of the disease. If you do arrive for your appointment and are displaying any of the above symptoms please do not feel offended if I decline to treat you. We can re-book for when you feel better with no cancellation charge.

Please follow the guidance provided by Public Health England and NHS.

What else can you do?

There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• wash your hands often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport

• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• avoid close contact with people who are sick

• if you feel unwell, stay at home, do not attend work or school

• cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it

• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment

If you are worried about your symptoms, please use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment

For more information see the Public Health England Blog.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 acute respiratory disease. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

In the meantime it's business as usual and I look forward to seeing you in the treatment room.

Take care

Kylie