Ready for 1,5 meters of society

Update Coronavirus COVID-19, May 6, 2020

Good news! From May 11, massages will be given again in the practice of Tijs Breuer. From that date, the practice of contact professions, masseurs, para-medical professions and alternative medicine is permitted in the Netherlands. Where possible, the work is organized at a distance of one and a half meters. We work by appointment, where we discuss beforehand whether the visit poses a risk.

In order to be able to do the work safely and responsibly, Neptunus Wellbeing applies in practice on 1 May 2020 new policy. This already applies to coaching and other treatments without touch. From May 11, 2020, this policy also applies to massages and bodywork. Measures include careful intake and information to clients, good personal hygiene and disinfection of the room. All kinds of precautions had already been taken. The RIVM guidelines were always used as a starting point.

Now that there are also sufficient personal protective equipment available, the practice is fully equipped for the 1,5 meter society. Of course, work will only be done if both I and you have no complaints of a cold, cough or fever. Through NGS (trade association for sports and wellness masseurs) a protocol has been drawn up to work safely. It new policy in practice Neptunus Wellbeing is based on this.

I would like to ask you to observe my new house rules when you come for treatment (see below). Read more about it new policy and all precautions.

What are protocols?

Around the general rules of RIVM translate to the realities of companies, there are protocols drawn up. That requires customization: how do you keep a treatment safe if you cannot maintain a distance of 1,5 meters for a while? Separate protocols are drawn up for each industry by industry and professional associations. Such a protocol is an advice, including tips for the organization of the work and the care for the client and the care provider. Ultimately, each entrepreneur decides, after professional consideration, how these advice can best be applied in a practical situation.

Ordered before paramedical professions a document has been drawn up by the Ministry of Health with conditions for upscaling regular care. The Professional Association KNGF recently came up with one guidance for physiotherapists and a new one hygiene protocol. These documents were approved by the State on April 30.

Since 1 May 2020, physiotherapists are allowed to return to work under certain conditions. From 11 May 2020, masseurs can fully resume their work. That is why a protocol has now also been drawn up for masseurs by NGS (trade association for sports and wellness masseurs).

How does it look new policies and precautions out with Neptune Wellbeing?

There are precautions for:

• design and hygiene of the practice area
• making an appointment
• communication and information
• procedure entry
• method during the treatment
• after treatment

What is important for you to know?

Be aware that the entrance and the practice area are cleaned and disinfected prior to each treatment. A 30-minute interval is always planned so that sufficient time is available for this. The waiting area cannot be used. The toilet and shower can only be used if it is disinfected before and after. The massage table is provided with a clean cover (washed at 60 degrees), face cover (1 time used) and a clean towel.

Can I (again) make an appointment for a treatment?

All coaching treatments are simply given. And from May 11, 2020 it is again possible to come by for a massage or bodywork. The following questions are asked when making an appointment by email, telephone or via SMS / WhatsApp:

1. Are you part of a vulnerable group for COVID-19?
2. Have you had one or more of the following complaints in the past 24 hours or at this time: cold, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, shortness of breath, elevation, fever and / or sudden loss of smell or taste?
3. Do you currently have a roommate / family member with a fever and / or shortness of breath?
4. Have you had the new coronavirus (diagnosed with a lab test) and has it been diagnosed in the past 7 days?
5. Do you have a roommate / family member with the new coronavirus and did you have contact with him / her less than 14 days ago while he / she still had complaints?
6. Are you quarantined because you have had direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the new corona virus?

The answers to these questions determine whether the appointment can go ahead. Are any of these questions answered with “Yes”? Then physical contact is in principle not possible. Are you vulnerable or would you rather not take public transport to the practice? Then wearing a surgical mouth mask is necessary and we can discuss whether I can come to your home for treatment.

Is wearing a mouth mask mandatory?

Due to the pre-check, wearing a mouth mask is not mandatory if all questions are answered with “No” in advance. But everyone is of course free to use it. I myself will use a face mask if our faces are less than a meter apart. And I will offer you a mouth cap, but you can also use a different type of protection.

How does it work when you enter?

• Before the treatment I take an extensive shower. I want to ask you to take a shower at home beforehand.
• Upon entering, there is kept 1,5 meters away and greet each other without shaking hands or hugging.
• At the entrance of the practice you will be informed per poster about the (hygiene) measures.
• You take off your shoes and immediately wash your hands with soap upon entering. You dry your hands with a towel that is then washed or with paper. Even after the treatment, we wash our hands with soap.
• During the intake, coffee, tea or water is drunk from a disposable cup. We keep a distance of 1,5 meters and we are asked again about any complaints / symptoms.
• We then discuss the working method and you give your oral agreement.

What do I need to know in advance about the procedure during the treatment?

• Maybe it takes some getting used to that I wear a mask for massages or other treatments, where our faces are less than a meter apart.
• I also offer you a mask. You can also choose to cover your head with a thin cloth or with a brought scarf.
• I continue working with bare arms and contact with clothing is avoided. When I'm close to you, we talk as little as possible.

I am happy to welcome everyone again in this way. I realize that this policy is quite in demand, also from you. But together we ensure that everyone can be treated in a responsible manner.