UPDATED May 24
I am fully vaccinated having received my 2nd dose (Pfizer) on April 9. I still listen to the scientists as well as make my own decisions about what is safe for me and others.
While masks are being required less, the science I have read states that the chances of a vaccinated person contracting the virus is not 0. So I have adapted my protocol as follows:
I’m still very cautious in public, wearing my mask, social distancing and avoiding crowds.
If I don’t hear otherwise from you, I will arrive at your home wearing my mask. I’m perfectly comfortable keeping it on during my visit…like many of us I have kind of gotten used to it.
However I’ll also be happy to take it off if everyone I will be dealing with has been vaccinated and that I’ll be primarily working alone (who likes to hang out when the piano is being tuned!).
I’m leaving my previous protocol details here in case you are interested in how I approached client visits and just in case they have to be revisited.
The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes (Covid-19) are real and serious. I’ve made a personal commitment to myself, clients, family and friends to NOT contract covid-19. That means I’m following the progress of the disease carefully and following personal and professional protocols proven to limit its spread.
Covid-19 is very contagious and while the vast majority of those infected recover, it is a nasty disease and especially dangerous for those with co-morbidity factors such as other chronic diseases and advanced age.
Covid-19 IS to be avoided!
Covid-19 is transmitted primarily by droplets expelled from peoples mouths when sneezing, coughing or talking. However viral load matters. To be infected one must be in rather close contact with the infected person, such as directly talking with them for several minutes. The evidence shows that there is minimal transmission through surfaces as the virus deteriorates quickly outside the human body.
While Covid-19 is very contagious, following some simple steps and protocols will DRAMATICALLY reduce your chances of contracting it. These steps are very well known and include frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing masks.
I believe that if my clients are going to feel comfortable inviting me into their homes, they must feel confident that I am doing everything I possibly and reasonably can to reduce the chance that I am spreading the disease.
This also means I must be confident that my going into their home will not unreasonably expose me to the disease.
I have been taking this situation very seriously and have studied how the virus is spread. I have a number of clients and friends who are medical doctors and a close friend who is a PhD biologist for a pharmaceutical firm. I have pestered them all with questions and listened closely to their answers and comments. I’ve been making service calls since late April and have not contracted the disease, so I believe that is evidence that my protocols (both professional and personal) are working.
MY PROTOCOL
I’m a bachelor and live alone (I know…sad) so nobody else is potentially bringing the virus into my home. I don’t socialize, I grocery shop infrequently and then only during slow times and only while masked. I have not been to a bar or restaurant for over a year (except to pick up take out) and I don’t plan to for some time.
I’ve trained myself to not touch my eyes, nose or mouth without a disposable tissue. I’ve been in remarkably good health for the last 2 years (not even the sniffles) and am playing close attention to any potential symptoms.
I also take my temperature and check my blood oxygen levels twice a day.
- I wipe my hands with 80% alcohol before I enter your home
- I wear double masks for the duration of my visit
- You have the option of being the first appointment in a day
- I clean your keys but to avoid damage I don’t use disinfectant
Here is what I ask of you.
- If anyone in your household shows any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, let’s reschedule our appointment
- Please do not be in the room where I am working, or allow anyone else to be there
- Let’s maintain 6 feet distance and leave the check on the piano or pay electronically through Venmo
- It would be great if nobody was in the same room as the piano for an hour prior to my arrival
- If we’re going to be in contact during my visit please wear a mask
If there is any additional protocol you wish me to follow please let me know.
Seriously, if you’re an anti-masker or think all this is hog wash, please find another piano technician who shares your views.
Even though there has been a relaxation in restrictions I am not changing my personal habits of keeping human contact to an absolute minimum and then only with proper distancing, masking and hand cleaning.
My travel schedule is a little up in the air right now so my online system does not show specific times for the locations I service. I recommend you make an appointment through my online system for a time that makes sense to you. I will contact you to either confirm the appointment or adjust it as needed.
You will get email reminders before the actual date and there will not be any charge to change or cancel 24 hours or more in advance.
I’m an independent businessman and servicing pianos is my only source of income so please be reasonable and safe and tune your piano!