A Message from ASCP on COVID-19

This post is adapted from a message sent to ASCP members on Friday, March 6, from ASCP President, Les Sweeney.

I hope this note finds you well. By this time, I'm sure you are aware that COVID-19 (coronavirus) is beginning to widely circulate in the United States. Here in Colorado, the first few cases were announced yesterday. If you're like me, you probably have concerns and are wondering what will come next. I would characterize my own feelings as cautious and concerned, but not panicked (no point in that, since that won't help).

Here at ASCP, our focus as always is to meet the needs of our members and perform our duties with excellence. And an important part of this is doing so with our entire team's safety and health at the forefront. We haven't had to make any great concessions yet—maybe not as many high fives and some extra diligence in washing our hands. Our thoughts are with all of you who earn your living through human touch. We have begun to receive questions about safety practices and guidance on providing services. An issue like COVID-19 clearly represents a potential threat to our normal way of life, and for many clients that might mean questioning whether to receive skin care services—and whether to provide them, in your case.

Unfortunately, there is no guidebook or directive to let us know the absolute correct answer, or even when that answer might change. The Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and World Health Organization (www.who.int) are our guiding authorities when it comes to health issues. At this point, they are encouraging good hygiene (something skin care professionals are steeped in already) and to avoid contact with others if you are sick (always good practice; critical in these times). Neither of those directives suggest not getting a facial or treatment if you are in good health. 

We are doing our best to make sure we have helpful and pertinent up-to-date information on www.ascpskincare.com; scroll down to the Latest from ASCP section to find the most recent blog posts and news items. You'll find a post titled, "Coronavirus and Your Practice."

Should circumstances warrant, we'll be back in touch. We wanted to let you know that your professional association is monitoring the situation and, as always, is focused on providing you outstanding service and support. We wish you good health.
 
Warm regards,
 
Les Sweeney 
President

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES, PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR BLOG, "CORONAVIRUS AND YOUR PRACTICE" TO LEARN MORE.