We are all having to change the way we live but even with the adaptations I will be making, I remain confident that you will still receive a wonderful hands on treatment for improved wellbeing. This is a time when our emotional and physical health need some nurturing and support.

What is Covid-19?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause a range of illnesses from the common cold to more

severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute

Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means they can transfer from

animals to humans. The newest strain to be identified is Covid-19 and this is different to MERS and SARS as the spectrum of disease is broad. Currently around 80% of cases have mild symptoms, 20% have severe symptoms – but there are also those who display no symptoms which makes it harder to

control.

Why is Covid-19 such a concern?

Covid-19 appears to be highly infectious and is thought to have spread to nearly every country in

the world. Since it emerged in China approximately 5 months ago more than 4 million people are

known to have been infected and with over 285,000 deaths as of the 12th May 2020. As a result we

have seen most countries entering periods of ‘Lockdown’ to try control the spread of the disease and

prevent excess strain being placed on the healthcare systems. Governments are worried about this as it’s a new virus that appears to be unpredictable. Also viruses can mutate and change quickly so they need to be treated with respect and caution.

What are the symptoms?

Common signs of infection include:

• respiratory symptoms

• fever

• cough

• shortness of breath

• Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste and breathing difficulties

• New marks, rashes, spots, bumps, or other lesions on your skin

Most people infected with Covid-19 will experience mild symptoms and will recover without hospital

treatment, some show no symptoms and others may have more severe symptoms including pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

How is Coronavirus spread

This virus spreads via droplets so when a person coughs or sneezes this can be directly transferred

into the mouths, eyes or noses of people who are nearby -within 2m of an infected person. If the

droplets land on surfaces these can also be picked up on the hands of others and can cause infection

if the person touches their mouth, nose or eyes.

Facial, Hand and Ear Reflexology – the difference to foot reflexology

The AoR recommend that when we first return to work we should not offer facial, hand or ear

reflexology as these come with increased risk of cross infection. Transmission comes from droplets

from the respiratory system and with these therapies there is little distance between the clients face

and the therapist’s, therefore increasing risk. Facial reflexology has additional risk as the client is not wearing a facial covering. Foot reflexology allows for greater social distancing and for both client and therapist to wear facial coverings.

COVID-19 Secure Workplace Policy

The Association of Reflexologists Covid-19 Secure Workplace Policy Logo is there to offer you assurance that I am following Government guidelines and the AoR Covid-19 Secure Workplace Policy for working responsibly and safely during these unprecedented times.

As an AoR Member:

• I am working within Government & AoR Guidelines
• I have prepared for and complied with the AoR Return to work document
• I comply with the AoR Covid-19 Secure Hygiene Guidelines
• Changes that will be made include the following:
• You will be asked to complete a risk assessment form before each treatment to ascertain if it is appropriate for you to have a treatment
• Hand washing before and after treatments (or hand sanitiser with a minimum of 60% alcohol
• I will have clean, dedicated clothes/uniforms for treatments
• Treatment spacing – allowing 15 minutes between clients to minimise contact with other clients
• Cleaning – This 15 minutes also allows for couch/chair coverings to be changed and any surfaces that have been touched to be cleaned between each client
• Depending on the latest government guidelines, i will be wearing a facial covering and you may be asked to wear one too – even a scarf is fine (ideally double layer cotton)
• Clean linen and towels – will be used for each client
• Soft furnishings – will be removed if non-essential or completely covered e.g. foot pillows
• A cleaning checklist will be on display to show when cleaning has taken place
• Waste will be disposed of in line with Government Guidelines
• Laundry in line with Government Guidelines

The Association of Reflexologists was established in 1984 and today it is the foremost aspirational and independent professional association for reflexology in the UK. The letters MAR after my name identifies me as an AoR members – a sign that I have met the strictest standards of reflexology practice, and that I am insured to practise and that I am committed to continually developing my skills and knowledge.