ROUNDTABLE

PANDEMIC PRACTICES

517 MAGAZINE CHECKED IN WITH LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS ABOUT THE ADJUSTMENTS THEY’VE MADE TO KEEP EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS SAFE THROUGHOUT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

MEGAN DOHERTYSUSAN MAPLES

PRESIDENT OF F.D. HAYES OWNER AND DENTIST AT DR. ELECTRIC CO.SUSAN MAPLES, DDS, IN HOLT Prior to COVID-19, we had identified Dentistry has always provided a safe adaptability as one of the core strengths environment for patients. Our office has that has led to our business’s longevity. added the following new protocols to COVID-19 has proven this is true and taken increase protection from any potential it a step further, as being adaptable and agile exposure to COVID: is now key to our survival as a small business. • Purifying the air in each room with a We are in a continuous cycle of analyzing Molekule filtration system. the challenges presented to us, identifying a • Using a virtual waiting room where solution, and adapting our focus and process patients are escorted directly from their to the solution. While we have done this from vehicles to the treatment room. top to bottom in our business, it seems like • Screening, hand sanitizing and we are adapting almost weekly to employee temperature recording. and customer safety issues and to maintain • Use of oral pre-rinse CTx4. government and regulatory compliance.• Changing gowns after each procedure. • Wearing KN95 masks, eyewear and face shields. • Heat autoclave of all instruments. • Disinfecting of all surfaces. • Postponing hugs.

NICK BERRYHEATHER HANTON

CEO OF BLUE OWL COFFEE OWNER AND MEDICAL MASSAGE When our spaces were reduced to THERAPIST AT ADVANCE MEDICAL takeout-only, we lost a huge part of MASSAGE IN EAST LANSING the connection and conversation that We follow all guidelines recommended had so easily helped us build into our by the Federation of State Massage neighborhoods. We had relied on our Therapy Boards, along with infection space and daily access to people to carry control recommendations made by the out our mission. We had to learn how to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and open new ways of communicating to our Prevention. We ask our clients for health friends. Our neighborhoods show up every information, specifically about potential day to intentionally show us support. This exposure to COVID-19. We have them sign energized us to launch ideas that have a consent form, and we use a no-touch been waiting for the right time. We are thermal temperature screening process. All very grateful for their encouragement and therapists and clients are wearing masks hope to continue being a home for hope in beginning, during and at the end of their our Lansing. treatments. We also have hand sanitizer in the reception area and other places to use as needed. After treatments we disinfect all massage tables, doors, chairs, stools and lotion bottles, and we open all windows to bring in fresh air to the room.

TARA J. PETERSONMEGAN LONG

ATTORNEY AT CRENSHAW REGISTERED ACUPUNCTURIST PETERSON AND ASSOCIATESAT ESSENTIAL WELLNESS GROUP As a business owner, we’ve learned to IN OKEMOS home in on the best ways to be productive Like most others, we have added new and cost efficient. COVID-19 has forced protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. us to look at things a little differently and Masks are worn by staff and patients. To experiment with new methods of operating. eliminate contact between patients, we We have learned that we can do a lot more schedule only one person at a time. We remotely than we ever realized. Some clients also schedule time between appointments have really enjoyed this, as it gives them for thorough cleaning. Checklists are more options to meet online over a lunch used to make certain nothing is missed. break rather than drive to the office. This Patients phone upon arrival and wait in the is particularly true with families seeing a car until everything is ready. Additionally, bigger importance in getting their estates hand sanitizer is used upon entering. in order, especially for seniors who are Temperatures are taken and then a series homebound or in nursing homes. of health questions are asked. Our No. 1 priority is making sure our clients feel comfortable and safe in our environment.