COVID-19 is highly transmissible illness that can be spread by people who do not know they have the disease. This increases the risk of transmission within a community making it difficult to determine someone’s individual risk. Until broad-scale testing is widely implemented, or we have a more comprehensive and precise measure of disease burden, the CDC says to assume some community transmission or spread is occurring.

We ask all of our clients and practitioners to follow healthy hygiene practices, stay at home when sick, practice physical distancing to lower the risk of disease spread, and use a cloth face covering (with some exceptions) when conducting appointments or when physical distancing cannot be maintained. These are CDC universal precautions.

We’ve updated our client intake forms with This Acknowledgement. While we have asked our members to follow CDC guidelines and to do their best to create the safest environment as possible to conduct services, we rely on you, our clients, to do your part as well. NATH is a membership organization that provides ethics and standards for our members. We also acknowledge that each member is responsible for their own practice.

We can all do our part; Know how it spreads,

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others,

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands 

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

Monitor Your Health

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. 
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
• Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.