The Mills administration announced today in a press release (https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/mills-administration-releases-...) additional COVID-19 Prevention Checklists (https://www.maine.gov/decd/covid-19-prevention-checklists) for spas, estheticians, and massage therapy businesses that may reopen July 1, 2020, as the state shifts into Stage 3 of Restarting Maine’s Economy (https://www.maine.gov/covid19/restartingmaine).
Spas and estheticians that choose to resume operations July 1, 2020, must follow the guidelines detailed in the Phase 3: Spa and Close-Contact Personal Services (https://www.maine.gov/decd/checklists/spas-services) document. Massage therapists must follow the guidelines in the Phase 3: Massage Facilities (https://www.maine.gov/decd/checklists/massage-facilities) document. NOTE: Health care–related massage therapy services are already permitted within the state of Maine. All other forms of massage must wait to return to practice July 1, 2020.
Additionally, guidelines for nail professionals (https://www.maine.gov/decd/checklists/nail-technicians) were updated June 15, 2020, and guidelines for hair professionals (https://www.maine.gov/decd/checklists/cosmetology-barbering) were updated June 10, 2020.
Additional Safety Resources
ABMP, ASCP, AHP, and ANP understand there is a fine line between getting back to work and earning an income and protecting the safety of you and your clients. As you consider returning to work, we urge you to make government permission to work only one element of your decision about whether and when to reopen. Please review our comprehensive series of back-to-practice guidelines to help reduce risk and keep you and your clients safe.
- Massage practitioners: ABMP Back-to-Practice Guidelines (https://www.abmp.com/back-to-practice/summary)
- Estheticians: ASCP Back-to-Practice Guidelines (www.ascpskincare.com/back-to-practice/summary)
- Cosmetologists: AHP Back-to-Practice Guidelines (www.associatedhairprofessionals.com/back-to-practice/summary)
- Nail professionals: ANP Back-to-Practice Guidelines (https://www.nailprofessional.com/back-to-practice/summary)
We also have helpful forms and printouts available on our website, (https://www.abmp.com/back-to-practice/forms-printouts) including office policies, screening questionnaires, and posters to remind clients about social distancing and handwashing.
Additional Financial Resources and Updates
Applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/pa...) are due no later than June 30, 2020. The additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) both end July 31, 2020. These loans/grants are available to all members, including sole practitioners and small businesses. These loans can be forgiven if used for payroll and other business expenses and may be of assistance to you as you return to work. Visit our Financial Relief Options page (https://www.abmp.com/updates/news/financial-benefits-massage-therapists-...) on our website for more information about the PPP.
We appreciate your membership and will continue working on your behalf to update you as we learn more. Please check our COVID-19 page (https://www.abmp.com/updates/news/information-abmp-members-state-shutdow...) for updates. Be safe and be well.