Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1276187
C h e c k o u t A B M P P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 65 One place where the customer is absolutely not right and where you will need to have a clear plan is the issue of mask-wearing. If you are working as a massage therapist right now, you need to be wearing a 3-ply surgical mask (see "Getting Used to Working in Masks" at www.abmp.com/updates/blog-posts/getting- used-working-masks). Your clients should wear one too, or at least a cloth face covering. This is not optional. This is not political. It's science and physics. First, be sure you have a clearly stated and frequently shared policy about mask- wearing that makes your stance obvious and unequivocal. Word it in a way that works for you, but the message received from your policy should be "No mask, no massage." You can do a lot to dissuade people who plan to resist mask-wearing by stating clearly that there will be no exceptions to this policy. Use science. Use common sense. Use common courtesy. Use whatever you think will be compelling to your client population. If you are not in charge of the policies where you see clients, this may be a heavier lift, but you have to be clear about where you stand on masks and how you'll keep yourself and your clients safe. Continuing to work in an environment that you feel puts you in danger will wear on you and on your client relationships over time. If a client still shows up without a mask, here are some key points to consider: • Don't assume you know why. • It may be helpful to acknowledge that masks suck. "I know. I hate wearing this thing, too, but they're the best way for us to protect each other." You can be specific about how they itch, they're hot, they fog up your glasses. Be honest. Nobody enjoys wearing a mask. Every single one of us would prefer to have a free and open face. • Be willing to explain that you are not willing to work with a person who presents an Americans with Disabilities Act exemption card. Be clear that the card exempts the carrier from litigation (maybe?) where there is a mask ordinance, but it doesn't exempt either of you from infection. Don't make it about the legitimacy of the exemption. Make it about masks and the barrier they create and about how a person who can't wear a mask presents an avoidable risk you're not willing to take. • Resist the temptation to question the person's intelligence, character, or politics. Keep it specific to you, this client, and this session. • Even if you don't entirely understand their reasons, acknowledge them as you stand firm. "I can see how you might think that/I understand what you're saying/I'm sorry it makes you angry. (Don't use "but" if you can help it when you're stringing these phrases together.) I see a lot of people each week and I need to know that we are all doing the same things to keep each other safe. I can't bend on that." "But I Don't Want to Wear a Mask!"