As you’ll be aware, from December 3rd, New Zealand moves into the new traffic light system, or Covid Protection Framework.
You might be wondering what this means in terms of massage therapy.
From December 3rd under this new framework, my business is classed as a 'close contact service'. This means a few changes for me and you in the clinic.
Vaccine passes required
As of December 3rd, Wellington region will be in orange. Under both red and orange you will need to bring your vaccine pass to your appointment for me to sight and scan. I'm unable to see clients in the clinic without one. You will have the option of scanning in each time or letting me record the expiry date of your vaccine pass. Face coverings are encouraged for clients, I will always wear one.
If you don't have a vaccine pass
At these levels, for those without a vaccine pass I am offering tele-health appointments. I can work with you remotely to provide information, suggestions and support on self-management strategies for chronic pain, movement options, relaxation and breathing for stress management. I had a number of clients use this option while we were in lockdown in 2020 and feedback was positive.
When we move to green
Under green, you will need to bring your vaccine pass to your appointment if you have one. For those who don't have one, I will still be able to see you in the clinic and I will wear a face covering.
At all levels
For all levels, you will still need to scan in with the QR code or sign in manually when you arrive. I am also required to be vaccinated and I am displaying my own vaccine pass in the clinic as proof of this for clients.
More information
You can find out more in the Close Contact Service Guidelines and this RNZ article gives a good explanation also.
If you need more information about getting a vaccine pass you can find out here how to get your vaccine pass
I understand that some clients may not be fully vaccinated and may need to defer or cancel in-person appointments currently scheduled after December 3rd. If you need assistance to do this, please let me know. Please reach out if you would like to discuss the tele-health option or give this a go.
Please know that I don’t take these decisions lightly. This is an incredibly challenging time for us all, with processes introduced by the Government still continuing to evolve almost daily. My intention is to keep vulnerable clients safe, do what I can to reduce the spread of covid-19 in my community and maintain the wellbeing of myself and my whanau, especially as I work from my own home. I am still in the process of developing clinic systems to meet the new requirements, please bear with me as I work through this.
Massage New Zealand (MNZ), the professional association of massage therapists, is seeking clarification from the Ministry of Health (MoH) on a number of things affecting massage therapists as health service providers working in the traffic light system. If their guidance changes how I can operate, I will let clients know immediately.
I thank you for your patience at this time while things are still evolving. Positive thoughts to you all.
Ngā mihi
Odette