Since we are in a surge of COVID again, I have started reminding all clients about these clauses in my initial intake form:

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER: I agree to follow my therapist’s masking rules during my session. I understand that these rules may change each session based on current local transmission data and best practices. I understand that if I choose not to mask as directed for my session, my session will be terminated and I will be obligated to pay in full for the appointment.

I understand that by receiving massage/bodywork/energy work from a practitioner outside of my immediate pod or family during a pandemic, that I am undertaking a higher-risk activity because social distancing cannot be maintained.

I agree to inform my therapist if I begin to exhibit any possible symptoms of COVID-19 within 72 hours after my session, so that my therapist and I can both take further precautions and steps to protect others with whom we have contact. I understand my therapist will inform me in the same manner should they begin to exhibit possible COVID-19 symptoms post-session.

The most important bit is this last paragraph, and I’ve started asking people verbally post-session to do exactly this (as will I) should their health status chance within 3 days of our session.

One client actually texted me to let me know that they had a sore throat a day after we had a session, but fortunately, no illness of concern came of it, so neither of us had to adjust what we were doing around others.

As we move into flu season and an unknown COVID season in fall of 2023, I will be reminding people that they have agreed to these clauses and that the clauses continue to stand. It is only courteous to let anyone you’ve had close contact with know if you do end up developing a COVID infection within a few days of seeing them.

The pandemic is not over, regardless of whether or not people wish it to be. Viruses don’t care what we wish for or want to believe. They don’t just magically disappear when we decide we don’t want to think about them any longer. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is with us to stay. We failed at mitigation early on in the pandemic, so it is still hospitalizing and killing people at an alarming rate.

We also do not know all of the long-term impacts of the disease. Multiple infections seem to lead toward more debilitating symptoms, even if said infections are relatively mild. Getting this virus is not a risk that I am willing to take, personally, and I refuse to be a link in the chain of transmission and mutation of this disease.

I appreciate your understanding and respect in this matter. In continuing pandemic protocols and notification courtesies, I feel confident that I am taking the measures needed in order to keep us all safe and well, so all of us can relax and enjoy our sessions. We are still all in this together!