COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that can cause long-term health issues or death. Some people only develop mild symptoms, and others remain asymptomatic. However, asymptomatic people can still spread COVID-19. Droplets discharged from people who are infected transmit the virus to others. People who come in contact with the virus and touch their faces have a greater chance of becoming infected.
Over 9 million people worldwide had contracted COVID-19 as of June 23, 2020. Business shutdowns and social distancing requirements had slowed infection rates, allowing companies to begin reopening in May 2020. Since reopening, some states have seen infection rates spike.
There are ways to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and safely reopen businesses. Med spas can keep their clients and employees safe by implementing these protocols.
Provide protective supplies for staff and clients
Gloves and face masks are examples of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Your med spa can opt to provide all clients with gloves when they enter your facility to reduce their physical contact with items in your facility.
Invest in cloth face masks for your staff and clients. Your business can purchase custom cloth face masks bulk to reduce costs and reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends most people wear cloth masks. City of Angels PPE provides wholesale cloth masks with three layers of cloth. The cloth face masks are also machine washable. They can also be washed by hand with bleach and water.
Make sure supplies come from a reputable source
Purchase supplies from reputable vendors. The Laser Warehouse specializes in buying and selling used lasers. They have a team of experts who repair and clean used merchandise. The Laser Warehouse can ensure your lasers are working correctly and ready for use.
During the COVID-19 crisis, it doesn’t hurt to contact your suppliers to determine what safety protocols they have implemented, such as wearing gloves and cloth face covers. One way to prevent potential exposure is by fostering open communication with reputable vendors. Ask your suppliers to notify you immediately if any of their staff test positive for COVID-19. You may be able to secure and isolate items they provided to reduce the chance of transmitting the virus.
Reduce contact between clients
The most effective way to prevent transmission of COVID-19 is by eliminating exposure. Close your waiting room. Ask clients to stay in their vehicles when they arrive for their appointment. You can text or call them to let them know when it’s time to come inside. Have staff greet clients at the door and hold the door to prevent them from touching it. Once inside, your staff can take clients straight to the appropriate treatment room to reduce your clients’ contact with other clients and physical items in your facility and prevent transmission of the virus.
Implement rigorous cleaning protocols to sanitize all surfaces in your facility. Sterilize tools. Disinfect chairs, door handles, and other items clients touch.
Implement screening protocols
Review local COVID-19 guidelines. There may be specific regulations your spa has to follow depending on local or state guidelines.
One way to reduce the risk of exposure is by pre-screening employees and clients. Create a symptom checklist and contact clients 24 hours before their appointment to go through the list. Allow clients to cancel or reschedule their appointment if they have any symptoms. Check each clients’ temperature when they arrive and postpone their treatment if they have a fever.
Encourage staff to take time off if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19. Implement a checklist for staff and regular screening. Screening can include going over a list of symptoms and checking their temperature.
It’s also a good idea to talk to staff about how they are coping with the pandemic. Encourage staff to share concerns and suggestions. Your staff team will be more likely to report potential exposure if you foster open communication with them. Your spa will be able to respond swiftly to protect employees and clients from the risk of exposure.
