Although every new precaution and structural change is ultimately about the safety of clients and staff, more areas of the tattoo business will be noticeably affected. But in terms of safety specifically, here's how Osajima's shop is combining state-mandated rules and their own precautions:
- Routine health screenings for all. "We're keeping a temperature log of ourselves and our clients with a contactless thermometer and sending anyone home with a temperature over 100.3," Osajima said.
- Thorough disinfecting. "In addition to standard disinfection of our stations, we're be disinfecting the lounge area, floors, counters, bathroom, station walls, all hooks and handles, printers, stencil machine, pens, etc. at the beginning of the day and after every client." As a smart bonus precaution, each client's phone will be disinfected upon arrival, too.
- Masks, social distancing, and face shields. "In addition to standard masks and social distancing, we're wearing face shields and either disposable or disinfectable aprons."
- Reduced capacity. "There's be a maximum of two artists in the shop at any given time and two appointments maximum a day." Guests are not permitted for the time being.
- Limited direct contact. Artist-to-client contact is unavoidable, but extra precautions are being taken where possible. "Clients are not allowed to touch artists and will be offered a pair of disposable gloves to wear just in case."
- Postvisit protocol. "Clients are required to notify us if they test positive for COVID-19 within two weeks of their appointment, so we can implement a postexposure plan in which the studio will be closed for 72 hours for a deep clean with MadaCide. All clients who have entered the studio after the infected client and before the deep clean will be notified.
