Governor Cooper announced that beginning at 5 pm on May 22, some businesses, including massage therapy, can re-open under Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Pandemic .

At this time, Metamorphic Massage for Women is continuing to stay closed.  There are several reasons for this, and the decision is not made lightly.  While I began ordering anticipated supplies and equipment in early April that would help us all feel safer, there are many items that have still not arrived.  Until everything is in place that will ensure I am doing everything possible to keep clients and team members safe, we will not re-open.

In Section 5 of Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 141, it refers to Section 8, which keeps certain businesses closed, including those that “involve customers remaining in a confined indoor space over a sustained  period”.  To me, nothing is more confining that being in a small, enclosed massage room, working with direct contact for 60 to 90 minutes.  While it is only two people in the room, seeing multiple people puts the therapist, and therefore the clients, at risk of contracting the virus from someone who does not know they are infected, even if the therapist is using all the PPE there is, and cleaning between clients.

The CDC reports that 35% of COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic, and 40% of transmission happens before people feel sick.  Combined with the fact that it  can take six days between exposure and the first sign of illness, these figures provide cause for a pause..

This virus is too contagious for me to feel comfortable doing what feels risky right now, which means re-opening the doors of Metamorphic Massage for Women, when everything is not fully in place to help reduce the risk of contracting the virus.  (Pretty interesting, considering I have been known to take quite a few risks with my life).  With so many of my beloved long-term clients having underlying health issues, putting them at greater risk of contracting the disease, combined with the amount of pregnant women who come through the door seeking relief, I would not be able to live with myself if someone were to get sick.

I know there are many disappointed women right now, and I am sure there are many who feel a bit let down.  Please know that every decision I make holds the best interests of my clients and team members as a central factor in my choice.  I know that some businesses are re-opening, and for many of them the decision is purely financial.  I chose to take my financial situation our of the decision making process, as it would have clouded my vision. Metamorphic Massage for Women has always been about the clients, and it always will be.

I do hope that if you choose to go somewhere else, they truly have your best interests at heart.