On Saturday, October 17, 2020, a zoom discussion was held on the topic of returning to work during the pandemic. The expectation of a thoughtful and rich sharing was fostered by Jenny Xie, moderator for the evening, as she led us into hook up.
Results from a poll that was sent out with the invitation to attend the discussion showed that there were a variety of experiences among the 50 respondents. The poll results provided the starting point for discussion which focused on two main issues that sometimes intertwined with each other. One was the steps involved in returning to face to face work with clients and the other was specific ways practitioners are making the return to work as safe as possible for both client and practitioner.
Some of what was shared was predictable and straightforward such as returning to work for financial reasons but there were also some thought provoking very personal experiences and philosophical ideas. Several people also provided detailed information and resource material that is not widely known about masks, ventilation and air purification. The open attitude of the participants provided safety for sharing and questioning which resulted in a very worthwhile hour and a half experience.
Some of the of Poll Results:
Fifty people responded to the poll, of whom the majority have returned to doing at least some work (only 14% work fully), and most of those at a home office. Forty percent of us feel good about doing Trager these days. The main COVID precautions being taken for tablework are masks for both client and practitioner, and disinfecting between clients. In the poll, and speaking with members, we’ve learned that members also use other methods in addition to their state/local guidelines, such as one or more of the following: cross ventilation, a HEPA air filter, taking client’s temperatures, changing clothes or aprons between clients, conducting health update interview by phone prior to in-person appointment, having clients let you know if they have symptoms within 14 days after the session, and holding zoom sessions.
You are welcome and encouraged to learn more by accessing the video recording of the discussion. It will be placed in the members only section of the USTA website in the near future.
Elisabeth Contadino