Fitness
Wellness
One of the toughest times for a business owner is to shut a business. Like many businesses, including spas, were forced to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now they are to reopen but require a lot more caution to keep things safe for clients.
As spas and wellness centers prepare to reopen, it is important to prioritize the safety and health of clients and staff. With COVID-19 still a concern, implementing proper safety protocols is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus.
Therefore, you must know what safety measures you can take to warrant your clients’ safety from the pandemic as you reopen your spa business. Considering this need, in this article, we are providing ten spa safety tips to protect your clients as you reopen.
Here are 10 useful and practical tips that can help you reopen your spa business without compromising your client’s health;
1. Update your policies and procedures
The first step in ensuring spa safety is to review and update current policies and procedures. This includes reviewing policies related to hygiene, cleaning, and disinfecting. You should also implement new policies and procedures for COVID-19 safety, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and temperature checks.
Training your staff on the latest policies and procedures is important so they are ready to enforce them with clients. Ensure staff understands these protocols’ importance and why they are in place.
2. Prioritize sanitation and disinfection
Sanitation and disinfection are critical in maintaining a safe and healthy spa environment. Use EPA-approved disinfectants for surfaces and equipment, and increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting. You should also disinfect all tools and equipment after each use.
In addition, make sure to properly sanitize high-touch areas, including door handles, light switches, and countertops. Providing hand sanitizer throughout the spa is another way to encourage good hygiene practices.
3. Encourage physical distancing
Physical distancing is an effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Limit the number of clients in the spa at a time, and encourage clients to make appointments online or by phone. Creating physical barriers, such as plexiglass dividers in reception areas, can promote social distancing.
Consider rearranging furniture to ensure clients are seated six feet apart in common areas. Posting signs reminding clients to maintain physical distancing can also help reinforce the message. You can also send automated texts to your clients about the importance of physical distancing.
4. Provide personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important part of spa safety. Provide face masks for staff and clients, and consider providing disposable gloves for staff. Other PPE, such as face shields or gowns, may also be appropriate depending on the type of services provided.
It is important to ensure that all staff is properly trained on using PPE, including how to properly don and doff gloves and masks.
5. Screen staff and clients
Screening staff and clients for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure is an important way to prevent the spread of the virus. Implement a screening process for staff and clients, which may include taking temperature readings and using a questionnaire to assess potential exposure to the virus.
If a client or staff member exhibits symptoms or has had potential exposure, they should be asked to reschedule their appointment and seek medical attention.
6. Increase ventilation
Improving air quality is important in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Install air purifiers in the spa, keep windows and doors open to promote air circulation, and use HVAC systems to improve air quality.
Consider investing in a HEPA filter, which can help filter out small particles in the air. You should also consider using a carbon dioxide monitor to ensure proper ventilation.
7. Reduce high-touch amenities
High-touch amenities, such as shared reading materials and communal water dispensers, should be removed from the spa to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Instead, provide single-use amenities, such as bottled water or hand towels. Encourage clients to bring their own water bottles and towels as well. You may also want to consider removing items like throw pillows, blankets, and decorative items that are difficult to clean and disinfect.
8. Create a response plan
A plan for responding to a potential COVID-19 case is important for protecting clients and staff. Develop a plan for responding to a positive case, including notifying clients who may have been exposed, temporarily closing the spa for cleaning and disinfecting, and following local health department guidelines.
Train staff on the response plan and ensure they understand their role in implementing it. Regularly review and update the response plan based on health officials’ latest information and guidance.
9. Communicate with clients
Clear and frequent communication with clients is important for spa safety. Make sure clients know the updated policies and procedures and any changes to services or amenities. Provide information on how to make appointments and what to expect when arriving at the spa. Use your spa software and app, website, social media, and email to communicate updates and important information to clients.
10. Lead by example
As a spa owner or manager, you should lead by example when it comes to spa safety. Model proper hygiene practices, such as frequently wearing a mask and washing your hands. Follow all the policies and procedures you have implemented for staff and clients. Demonstrating a commitment to spa safety can help instill confidence in clients and staff that your spa is a safe and healthy environment.
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Conclusion
So, to ensure that your clients feel safe at your spa, it is essential to take all protective measures when reopening the business. Acting on the above-explained tips can help you keep your clients safe from potential covid-19 effects and comply with the set protocols by the respective government authorities.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do clients need to wear masks during spa services?
In most cases, clients will be required to wear a mask during spa services to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, some services, such as facials, may require the removal of masks. In these cases, additional precautions, such as using a face shield or requiring clients to wear a mask except when their face is being treated, may be necessary.
2. How often should spas be cleaned and disinfected?
Increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting is important to maintain a safe and healthy spa environment. All tools and equipment should be disinfected after each use, and high-touch areas should be cleaned frequently throughout the day.
3. What should spas do if a client or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
If any client or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the spa should follow local health department guidelines for contact tracing, cleaning and disinfecting, and temporarily closing the spa if necessary. Clients who may have been exposed should be notified, and staff members who had contact with the positive case may need to quarantine for a period of time.
Further reading
If you would like to discuss any aspect of our research, or find out more about how Wellyx can help you manage and grow your salon or spa, please contact [email protected] or call your nearest team