SAFETY FIRST IN SPITE OF THE END OF RESTRICTIONS

I thought everyone should know what I intend to do now we have reached a point where ‘legal’ restrictions and safeguards concerning Covid have been relaxed.

For your reassurance, I will NOT be changing any of my arrangements to protect you when you have acupuncture treatment. All patients will still be required:

• to wear a face covering during your appointment

• to wash your hands, or use the hand gel provided, when you enter the clinic

• as far as possible, keep your distance from other patients

I will continue to:

• wear a face covering,

• clean surfaces in the clinic room between patients,

• wash my hands and use hand gel between patients,

• allow time for cleaning between patients.

For clarity, the reasons for continuing to observe these safety measures are that many of my patients are vulnerable, immuno-suppressed, pregnant, elderly or simply not confident that it’s all over now. As a practitioner, I am responsible for the safety of these and all other patients while they are in my care and in the clinic. All my colleagues in both the clinics where I work are in agreement on this.

I wish it was all over. Locally Covid cases remain stubbornly high and the prospect is that this may continue over the Summer months with complete relaxation of the rules. Then we will have the Autumn and the inevitable return of the Winter viruses. I hope that the vaccines will still be doing the job of minimising Covid infections.

I shall maintain my cautious approach throughout.