COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
UPDATED FACE MASK POLICY - 8/2/21
In response to rising COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations around the country, the CDC has changed its guidance and is now advising wearing masks indoors and in public areas where there is a substantial of high risk of transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
Consequently, we have updated our policy and require all our staff to wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status. We also require our clients to wear masks in the common areas, and to discuss masking requirements with the therapist during the treatment.
We will continue to assess the situation and update our policies as needed.
In response to rising COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations around the country, the CDC has changed its guidance and is now advising wearing masks indoors and in public areas where there is a substantial of high risk of transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
Consequently, we have updated our policy and require all our staff to wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status. We also require our clients to wear masks in the common areas, and to discuss masking requirements with the therapist during the treatment.
We will continue to assess the situation and update our policies as needed.
How safe is receiving a massage during the pandemic?
Very safe! This pie chart is from the Illinois Department of Health's website, showing COVID Outbreaks by Location (type of business). Personal care services, including massage therapy, is nearly 0%, or 0.00187 of total occurrences. Presumably, any occurrences would be at places that do not use masks or do not sanitize.
At River North Massage, we take your health seriously. From UV filters and vents in every treatment room, to cleaning and sanitation protocols, to professionally trained staff, you are in good hands with us.
Be smart, wear a mask, take care of your health, get a massage. Probably one of the safest things you can do during the pandemic.
How are you going to protect me from COVID-19?
Please remember that, even though Illinois is re-opening, the virus is still out there and the risk is real. Before making an appointment to get your haircut, or get your teeth cleaned, or get a massage, you must consider the risks.
On our end, we have made some changes to reduce those risks. Some of the changes you will notice, and some you will not.
- We ask that you arrive just a couple minutes before your appointment time; do not arrive early and you cannot stay past the end of your appointment
- When you arrive on our floor, wait outside the clinic area. The receptionist will come out and take your temperature before entering
- masks or face coverings are required
- all appointments must be prepaid ahead of the appointment time using the credit card on file (or account sessions, if you are a member); if you provide an invalid credit card the appointment will be cancelled
- we do not accept cash payments; also, we cannot make change for tips. You are welcome to bring cash to tip your therapist, or tip on your card.
- there is a waiver form that we will ask you to sign each time
Changes that you may not notice:
- air purifier in every treatment room
- touchless trash cans
- new cleaning protocols
- safety measures
- disinfectants
- therapist dress codes
- updated massage protocols
- no talking/very limited talking during the massage
Important: we ask that you do not come in if you are sick, or if you have been around someone who is sick. If you are coughing, sneezing, have runny eyes, the therapist will not work on you. If you have allergies, please make sure to take allergy medicine before coming in.