Covid-19 Coronavirus Policy
CONTINUING SESSIONS UNDER TIER 2 & 3 LOCKDOWN AS OF W/B 19TH OCT
(Update 18th Oct 2020)
As you are likely aware, all London boroughs were moved to Tier 2 Covid-19 Lockdown rules as of midnight on Friday 16th October 2020. On looking over the Government guidelines and the opinions expressed by both the BACP and the UKCP, as long as we continue to use the protocols I have put in place we can continue face to face sessions.
If you would like a reminder of my protocols please see the 5th July update below.
My present understanding is that if London moves to Tier 3 rules we are still able to continue face to face sessions as long as we abide by those protocols, except for where one instance applies: if you live in an area designated Tier 2 or lower, you may not attend whilst my premises is under Tier 3 lockdown. In such instance we would have to move to remote sessions using either phone or video call.
If we enter into a national lockdown it is probable that all sessions will have to be via remote means, although no precise rules are yet available to determine this. In instance of national lockdown I will advise again when the rules are clearer.
Please know that I remain willing to offer remote sessions if you are not comfortable meeting in person under my protocols.
As ever, if you or I display Covid symptoms and/or either of us test positive for coronavirus we must move to remote sessions for the prescribed quarantine period.
RETURN TO FACE-TO-FACE SESSIONS AS OF W/B 6TH JULY
(Update 5th July 2020)
Hygiene and safety protocols for face-to-face sessions
Please know that if you are at all uncomfortable at the thought of returning to face-to-face sessions, video or phone sessions remain available as an alternative.
I will work hard to maintain a hygienic environment but your return to face-to-face sessions is under the advisory that I cannot reduce the health risk to zero.
If you or I enter self-isolation again we revert to video/phone sessions.
All payments should continue to be made via electronic transfer unless otherwise agreed.
Procedure
(Update 18th Oct 2020)
As you are likely aware, all London boroughs were moved to Tier 2 Covid-19 Lockdown rules as of midnight on Friday 16th October 2020. On looking over the Government guidelines and the opinions expressed by both the BACP and the UKCP, as long as we continue to use the protocols I have put in place we can continue face to face sessions.
If you would like a reminder of my protocols please see the 5th July update below.
My present understanding is that if London moves to Tier 3 rules we are still able to continue face to face sessions as long as we abide by those protocols, except for where one instance applies: if you live in an area designated Tier 2 or lower, you may not attend whilst my premises is under Tier 3 lockdown. In such instance we would have to move to remote sessions using either phone or video call.
If we enter into a national lockdown it is probable that all sessions will have to be via remote means, although no precise rules are yet available to determine this. In instance of national lockdown I will advise again when the rules are clearer.
Please know that I remain willing to offer remote sessions if you are not comfortable meeting in person under my protocols.
As ever, if you or I display Covid symptoms and/or either of us test positive for coronavirus we must move to remote sessions for the prescribed quarantine period.
RETURN TO FACE-TO-FACE SESSIONS AS OF W/B 6TH JULY
(Update 5th July 2020)
Hygiene and safety protocols for face-to-face sessions
Please know that if you are at all uncomfortable at the thought of returning to face-to-face sessions, video or phone sessions remain available as an alternative.
I will work hard to maintain a hygienic environment but your return to face-to-face sessions is under the advisory that I cannot reduce the health risk to zero.
If you or I enter self-isolation again we revert to video/phone sessions.
All payments should continue to be made via electronic transfer unless otherwise agreed.
Procedure
- Please wear a face covering on arrival. I will be wearing a face covering also. The moments of greeting each other and leaving are where we are most likely to not manage the 1 metre + distancing. I can provide a single-use face mask if you require.
- Don’t worry about ringing the doorbell to notify me of your arrival, I’ll leave the inner porch door open and will see your arrival. If you arrive early please wait outside as I may still be cleaning from the previous session but will greet you at session time.
- I’ll open the front door and all doors leading to the therapy room.
- On entry please use the hand gel provided.
- Proceed up to the therapy room and seat yourself. I’ll follow after closing the front door.
- The therapy room allows for 2 metres distancing so we can remove our masks when seated. The therapy room window will be open and the door will be ajar allowing for ventilation.
- Please bring your own water/refreshment if required.
- If using the tissues I advise using the provided hand gel before and after using a tissue.
- Hard surfaces that you are likely to touch will be cleaned before each session. The soft furnished seat now has a cover which will be spray disinfected before each session and the cover will be changed daily.
- Please do not attend if you are showing any Covid symptoms. Notify me of the circumstance as soon as possible and we can arrange a video/phone session as alternative. Similarly I will notify you if I feel unwell and suggest the alternative.
- The bathroom is available to use and will be cleaned at the start of each day. I recommend washing your hands before and after using the facilities, using the provided paper towels to dry your hands.
- On your exit we must put on face coverings again and I will leave the room first and open all the doors for you.
Updated 13th May 2020:
In the article entitled “Working Safely during Covid-19 in other people’s homes”, published on 11th May 2020, the Government advises “using remote working tools to avoid in-person appointments”. (3.3 Appointments in the home). We are elsewhere recommended to continue working from home where we can.
As such, all therapy sessions will continue to be conducted remotely by video or voice call platforms, at least until we progress to the next phase of lockdown restriction easing which, as of 13th May, is suggested by Government as early June.
I will have a number of health protocols in place ready for when face-to-face sessions resume, which I will publish nearer the time. These protocols will be what you could reasonably expect in the circumstances and will reflect the latest Government advice.
Coronavirus is expected to be part of our lives for some time yet, and there is the distinct likelihood that you or I may yet have to self-isolate (again) or otherwise find ourselves in another lockdown situation, be it from a national or a regional outbreak of the virus. As such, I anticipate that our therapy going forwards will be a blend of face-to-face and video/phone sessions.
Please note the options for video session below and the recommendations on how we can best conduct that video session. You may also like to look over my latest blog entry here where I reflect on how effective video sessions have proven over the lockdown period.
In the article entitled “Working Safely during Covid-19 in other people’s homes”, published on 11th May 2020, the Government advises “using remote working tools to avoid in-person appointments”. (3.3 Appointments in the home). We are elsewhere recommended to continue working from home where we can.
As such, all therapy sessions will continue to be conducted remotely by video or voice call platforms, at least until we progress to the next phase of lockdown restriction easing which, as of 13th May, is suggested by Government as early June.
I will have a number of health protocols in place ready for when face-to-face sessions resume, which I will publish nearer the time. These protocols will be what you could reasonably expect in the circumstances and will reflect the latest Government advice.
Coronavirus is expected to be part of our lives for some time yet, and there is the distinct likelihood that you or I may yet have to self-isolate (again) or otherwise find ourselves in another lockdown situation, be it from a national or a regional outbreak of the virus. As such, I anticipate that our therapy going forwards will be a blend of face-to-face and video/phone sessions.
Please note the options for video session below and the recommendations on how we can best conduct that video session. You may also like to look over my latest blog entry here where I reflect on how effective video sessions have proven over the lockdown period.
Updated 24th March 2020:
All sessions at my Bexley and Clapham practices will now be carried out remotely - by video or phone call. Remote sessions will be in place for the next 3 weeks; I will review the decision week beginning April 13th when Government is due to revew their instructions on restriction of movement.
I can offer video session by the following means:
- FaceTime
- Skype
- Zoom
Please nominate your chosen video call method when we give notice to each other that we will not be meeting face-to-face.
If nominating Skype, please tell me your Username so that I can send a conversation invite which will then allow our video call. My Skype username is SLaw Therapy.
I offer a variety of video call means as it is understood that we do not all have the same tech equipment. My understanding is that all of these video calling methods are secured by 256-bit end-to-end encryption, ensuring the continuing security and integrity of our therapy.
If you do not have video calling facility I will offer phone session.
Please note that video/phone session will be a different experience than our regular face-to-face meeting - video sesssion is preferable as it maintains at least some of our usual face-to-face interaction.
For the duration of our video/phone session I ask that you put yourself in a quiet, discrete environment, that you take measures to ensure you are free from interruption and that you are assured of stable wifi/mobile signal.
Sessions are expected to continue at the usual appointment time.
When moving to video/phone session, payment should be made by BACS transfer. If you do not have them already, I will give you my bank details during our session. Please use your surname and session date as payment reference.
Best wishes,
Stuart
