Therapeutic Reflexology is legal during level 4 of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) national lockdown. During level 5 we were able to provide essential services for emergencies only, but since the lockdown level was lowered to level 4, Therapeutic Reflexology is legal if the Therapeutic Reflexologist is formally registered and regulated by the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA). In today’s post, we’ll discuss Therapeutic Reflexology during lockdown level 4.
Disclaimer:
I am not a lawyer so please do not read this post from that perspective, but rather from my personal interpretation of what I believe to be correct. I am writing this post with the purpose of informing my patients that it is legal to receive Therapeutic Reflexology during level 4 of the lockdown. If you want a legal perspective, please visit the website of the AHPCSA which is the only Statutory Council legally regulating the profession in South Africa.
Reflexology vs Therapeutic Reflexology
May you receive reflexology from anyone saying that they are doing reflexology during level 4 of the lockdown? NO! You are allowed to receive Therapeutic Reflexology from Registered Therapeutic Reflexologists registered with the AHPCSA only, because AHPCSA Registered Therapeutic Reflexologists are recognised as Essential Healthcare Services according to the Allied Health Professions Act (Act 63 of 1982), the National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003) and the Disaster Management Act, 2002.
There is a reason why only Registered Therapeutic Reflexologists may offer reflexology during the level 4 of the lockdown because as essential healthcare services, they are formally regulated and guidelines for good practice hygiene during a state of disaster is legally enforced on them. It is done for the safety of the public in the midst of the state of disaster in relation to the COVID-19 as a result of SARS-COV-2.
AHPCSA Registered Therapeutic Reflexologists may practice during level 4 of lockdown at their registered practice (as registered with the AHPCSA). Offering Therapeutic Reflexology at any patient’s private residence is only allowed in cases of emergency.
Permit to Practice
Registered Therapeutic Reflexologists have formal permits to perform essential healthcare services during level 4 of the lockdown available; please do not hesitate to ask for and see your Therapeutic Reflexologist’s permit as well as AHPCSA registration certificate as proof of being able to legally practice.
As a patient, it is your right to request such documentation prior to receiving any form of Therapeutic Reflexology to ensure you are receiving not only quality Therapeutic Reflexology treatment but also to ensure your safety to know that your therapist of choice is legally registered to practice and proper safety and hygiene protocols are legally enforced on them to ensure your safety at all times.
Not Business as Usual
AHPCSA Registered Therapeutic Reflexologists may practice during level 4 of lockdown, but it is not just business as usual. The safety of patients is a high priority and therefore certain protective measures are in place and legally enforced, for example:
- There will be no overlap of patients in the practice waiting room and appointments are scheduled to ensure no patients come in contact with each other;
- Patients are not to be accompanied unless the patient is a minor child in which case a parent should accompany the patient or if the patient is in need of assistance due to being disabled or illness causes assistance to be provided;
- Patients will be screened the day prior as well as before entering the practice;
- Face masks are to be worn by the patient and the Therapeutic Reflexologist;
- Hands will be sanitized when entering the practice;
- Please note that you should not be wearing any gloves as the incorrect use of gloves may in actual fact cause cross-contamination. If you arrive with gloves on at my private practice, you will be asked to remove and dispose of the gloves prior to entering the practice; and
- Proper hygiene is practiced between patients in the practice to prevent any contamination or cross-contamination.
Coronavirus is a Hoax
There are people believing that COVID-19 is a hoax and there are numerous conspiracy theories going around about what is happening in South Africa and globally. Please note that whether you believe the virus is real or whether you believe it is a hoax, your belief in this regard is irrelevant.
In order to practice as a Therapeutic Reflexologist during level 4 of lockdown, as an essential healthcare provider, we are legally obligated to comply with all safety and hygiene protocols and whether you believe it is necessary or not, it will be enforced at Christo Scheepers Therapeutic Reflexologist’s private practice to comply with legislation.
Make your Peace of Mind Appointment Today
You are welcome to make an appointment for your next Therapeutic Reflexology treatment session with peace of mind that your safety is our highest priority apart from giving you the best possible Therapeutic Reflexology treatments.
I hope to welcome you into our Therapeutic Reflexology private practice soon as you entrust us again with your feet and your bodies!
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Christo A. Scheepers: Therapeutic Reflexologist
Dip.T.R.(Cum Laude) [IARAMT]
AHPCSA: A11945
Pr. No.: 1080000737453
Tel. 072-800 7243