As we prepare to reopen Release when it is legal and safe to do so, we are working diligently to develop strategies and protocols to keep employees, members and guests healthy and safe while also minimizing the disruptions to our day-to-day operations.

We want to share the ways we can all help keep Release safe, as well as the steps we’ll take as an organization if and when issues related to Covid-19 arise in our facility or community.

You’ll notice various changes in the way Release looks as well as new practices and protocols. We understand these changes may be daunting and concerning. Our goal is to collaboratively ensure you feel safe and secure so together we can navigate the complexities of our “new normal.”

1. Personal Protective Equipment
2. Reducing Transmission Among Employees and guests
3. Covid-19 Typical Symptoms:
4. How to help reduce the spread of Covid-19
5. Release safety regulations for common areas and guest services:
6. Release safety regulations for Retai
7. Release safety regulations for Nourish Cafe:
8. Release safety regulations for classes:
8.1. Yoga and Meditation
8.2. Indoor Yoga Classes: Phase 3: June 29th or later depending on health data trends
8.3. Fitness & Cycle
9. Release safety regulations for spa services:
10. Massage and Alternative Therapies
10.1. Updated Service Menu
10.2. Alternative Healing
10.3. Services Removed:
11. PPE Protocol for Massage Therapists
12. Esthetics
13. Cleaning and Disinfecting Plans and Protocols
13.1. Outside of disinfecting standards for individual treatment rooms and studios we will also conduct the following:
13.2. Linens, Silks, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry
14. Response if an Employee or Recent Visitor Tests Positive for Covid-19
14.1. Immediate Response
15. Flow of communications
15.1. Specific protocols to manage this are as follows:

Release will observe interim guidance for PPE ensembles for various types of activities, including:
All employees and guests must wear a cloth face covering, or face mask, that covers the nose and mouth at all times within the facility, even when alone.
Release will provide each employee with 2 masks, disposable gloves, and 1 face shield per spa therapist.
Staff and guests wearing face coverings must not touch their eyes, nose, mouth, or face, or adjust their face mask without first sanitizing hands. After touching face or adjusting mask, hands must be sanitized.
Only services that can be provided while wearing a mask will be offered within the facility.
When deemed permissible, classes will resume within the facility with masks optional during class participation for both instructors and guests.
After removing PPE, always wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Release will establish, and ensure employees follow by providing training, standard operating procedures for cleaning (including laundering) PPE and clothing. Instructors are responsible to sanitize their own PPE. OSHA’s Enforcement Procedures provide additional information.
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For the safety of our Employees and guests, Release has ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SICK WORKERS REPORTING TO WORK. Release also asks that any guests who are exhibiting the following symptoms or are feeling unwell, to refrain from coming in. At this time, late cancelation fees will not be charged in the event of illness.

Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath
Sore Throat
Prior to starting a shift, each employee will self-certify that they:
Have no signs of a fever or a measured temperature above 100.3 degrees or greater, a cough or trouble breathing within the past 24 hours.
Have not had close contact with an individual diagnosed with Covid-19.
Have not been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by their doctor or a local public health official.
Employees exhibiting symptoms or unable to self-certify will be directed to leave and seek medical attention and applicable testing by their health care provider, and are not to return to the work site until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Release will provide touchless hand sanitizer stations in all studios, at guest services, in the cafe and in Bliss, as well as other locations throughout the facility.
Release will provide touchless soap dispensers in all bathrooms.
Release will provide tissues in bathrooms to turn on and off water, flush toilet, etc.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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 and immediately wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others within the facility Except when directly receiving services that require contact when that is deemed permissible.
Release will increase ventilation rates with purchase of screens, allowing us to open windows and doors when weather permits
The Sanctuary building is equipped with a Daikin air exchange ventilation system to provide constant indoor-outdoor air exchange maintaining excellent air quality.
The walls throughout the yoga studio, locker rooms and Bliss are treated with antimicrobial paint that’s resistant to the growth of harmful bacteria, mold and mildew.
Release will NOT conduct temperature checks due to variability and unreliability.
Release will NOT conduct oxygen checks because it will require people to use a common piece of equipment.
Release has prepared a response to Covid-19 positive employees and/or guests which is provided in detail below.
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Increasing physical space between employees and customers with plastic barrier at both reception desks and in cafe.
We will not be offering tours.
Distributing retail and cafe purchases through curbside pick-up or delivery.
All services will be prepaid including gratuity so there is no exchange of currency or credit cards.
All paperwork to completed before arrival, including a new waiver (includes Covid-19 language) and intake forms.
In the locker rooms: only the two end toilet stalls and two end showers will be in use which will be disinfected after use by employees.
Lockers are only accessible one at a time on each side of the locker room (opposite banks in men’s room).
Floor will be marked with 6 ft waiting lines to access as needed.
Lockers will be disinfected after use by employees.
No mini days. Services only with one hour of Bliss time. Bliss will be limited, staged and marked to ensure social distancing.
Bliss rooms will be limited to number of people who can fit while maintaining social distancing.
We will be removing decorations and wall hangings to minimize contamination and simplify cleaning.
All amenities from locker rooms will be removed and stored at the front desk and will be available upon request.
Cleaning and sanitizing checklists and signage will be posted and monitored to ensure compliance.
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Everyone is asked to use hand sanitizer before touching any of the products
Please only touch products if you intend on buying a product.
There will be a basket for items that were touched but not purchased that will be wiped down.
No testers will be available.
All products will be final sale items. They cannot be returned for refund or exchange.
All purchases must be purchased in advance with a credit card on-file. If a credit card is not on file, please call our concierge team at 508-986-2330 to make your purchase, or add a credit card to your Release profile via MindBody or Release app.
Fewer items will be on the shelves for easier cleaning.
When a purchase is made from the online store an email will go to concierge. The client will then be contacted by concierge to let them know to call once they arrive in the parking lot so that curbside delivery can take place.
Retail space will be thoroughly disinfected nightly by the cleaning crew.
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Nourish Café is currently open for curbside pick-up only. This will remain in effect until at least June 8th.
Staff will wear PPE at all times (Release will provide each staff person with 2 masks)
Gloves must be worn at all times inside the kitchen and café area, during food prep, and while carrying orders to the designated curbside retrieval location at the parking lot.
Gloves must be changed both in between each order, and any time the staff person exits the kitchen.
In between changing gloves, staff will thoroughly wash hands with soap and water, OR with a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol base.
All orders must either be placed online or called in to Release.
All payment will be processed either using the credit card on file, or over the phone. No cash handling or direct contact with guests will take place.
Once an order is ready, staff will walk it out to the parking lot and place it on a chair located on the edge of the parking lot for the guest to then retrieve, no guest/staff interaction will take place.
Once outdoor classes resume, guests may place an order to have ready at the end of class by either calling Release or ordering online and following the same procedures as listed above.
All food will be served in disposable containers
All surfaces including food prep space, refrigeration units, light switches, door knobs, tables, stove and appliances, cabinet and drawer knobs, cooking utensils, pots and pans will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at the start of each day, throughout the day as things are used, and at the end of each shift.

Phase 2: June 8th or later depending on health data trends
Release will offer outside seating with proper social distancing measures in place. We will provide date and guideline updates as they are made available.

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As additional changes to classes become available, this information will be updated.

Covid-19 Protocols for indoor and outdoor yoga and meditation classes. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Westborough Board of Heath have given us permission to conduct outdoor classes only at this time. Release has met and exceeded all safety guidelines and regulations required by law.
*Protocols are subject to change as we receive more updated guidelines from the state of Massachusetts.
Outdoor Yoga and Meditation Classes: Phase 1: May 25th
Outdoor yoga classes will be weather permitting and will be cancelled if there is inclement weather.
Classes will be staggered to allow ample time for between classes so that Guests will not run into each other going to and from class.
Prior to class, instructors will self-certify to their manager or safety officer that they have no symptoms of Covid-19 and have not had close contact with anyone with Covid-19.
Instructors and Guests will wear PPE to and from class and in all common areas. Release will give each employee two PPE.
Instructors and guests may remove their PPE during class as long as they maintain social distance of at least 6 feet.
Instructors must use hand sanitizer before and after class.
Hand Sanitizer will be made available for instructors and guests
Instructors and Guests will enter the outdoor space from the parking lot and go directly to the Outdoor Yoga Space.
Instructors and guests will not gather in groups and will maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times.
Instructors will check in Guests using their phone or Release iPad.
Music will be available to play during class over the outdoor speakers using the studio iPad.
Release will provide a microphone. Release will provide each instructor with a microphone cover.
iPad and any other equipment used (i.e. microphone), will be wiped down and or sprayed with disinfectant after each class.
iPad and any other equipment used (i.e. microphone), will be wiped down and or sprayed with disinfectant after each class.
There will be no more than 10 people in class INCLUDING the instructor.
Instructor will teach from their mat or space at the front of class and not walk closer than 6 feet from students during class.
Instructor will not touch students and there will be no assists, no adjustments and no cold cloths.
Guests will bring their own mats and all props. No yoga props, blocks, straps, bolsters or mats will be available to borrow. (guests can purchase props for 20% off through our retail store, must be prepaid, curbside pick-up only)
Each instructor on the schedule will be provided one set of props to use for teaching. Instructor is responsible for bringing their own props to and from class.
Guest will be instructed that all classes must be paid for before arriving at Release. Instructors will not be accepting payment or processing transactions of any kind.
Guests are encouraged to use the restrooms before coming to class. Only Staff are allowed to enter the buildings.
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Prior to class, instructors will self-certify to their manager or safety officer that they have no symptoms of Covid-19 and have not had close contact with anyone with Covid-19.
Instructors and Guests will enter through Sanctuary reception and exit through the outdoor studio doors to the patio.
Instructors and Guests will wear PPE to and from class and in all common areas. Release will give each employee 2 PPE to wear when at Release.
We will update use of PPE policy based on state and local government mandates at that time.
Instructors and Guests will wash hands before and after class.
Instructors and Guests will not gather in groups and will maintain social distancing at all times.
Instructors will check in Guests using their phone or Release iPad.
Music will be available to play during class using the studio iPad.
Release will provide a microphone for outdoor classes and to live stream indoor classes. Release will provide each instructor with a microphone cover.
iPad and any other equipment used (i.e. microphone) will be wiped down and or sprayed with disinfectant after each class.
There will be no more than 10 people in class INCLUDING the teacher, allowing 6 feet of space in all directions.
Release will continue to offer live stream classes to provide access to those unable to get into classes due to smaller size and those who aren’t ready to attend live classes, with links to recordings available for 48 hours.
Studio floors are marked to indicate appropriate spacing.
Instructors will teach from their marked space in the front and not walk within 6 feet of Guests.
Instructor will not touch students, no assists or adjustments and no cold cloths.
Guests will bring their own mats and all props. No yoga props, blocks, straps, bolsters or mats will be available to borrow. (guests can purchase props for 20% off through our retail store, must be prepaid, curbside pick-up only)
Each instructor on the schedule will be provided one set of props to use for teaching. Instructors are responsible for bringing their own props to and from class.
Guest will be instructed that all classes must be paid for before arriving at Release. Teachers will not be accepting payment or processing transactions of any kind.
Guests are encouraged to use the restrooms before coming to class. However, locker rooms will be available for use with appropriate social distancing spacing and protocols.
Instructors will wipe down all high touch surfaces in the studio with disinfectant wipe after class, including iPad, iPad stand, microphone, door handles (inner and outer), light switches, fan controls, temperature controls and humidifier.
Instructors will make sure wipes are stocked, extra wipes are located in the yoga closet and basement of NFH.
Instructors will disinfect the studio floor after each class.
Safety and cleaning checklist will be posted and must be utilized.
Additional items may be added or updated as needed to stay current with MA law and safety guidelines.
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Covid-19 Protocols for indoor and outdoor fitness and cycle classes. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Westborough Board of Heath have given us permission to conduct outdoor classes only at this time. Release has met and exceeded all safety guidelines and regulations required by law.
*Protocols are subject to change as we receive more updated guidelines from the state of Massachusetts.
Outdoor Fitness and Cycle Classes: Phase 1: May 25th
Outdoor fitness and cycling classes will be weather permitting and will be cancelled if there is inclement weather.
Classes will be staggered to allow ample time for between classes so that Guests will not run into each other going to and from class.
Prior to class, instructors will self-certify to their manager or safety officer that they have no symptoms of Covid-19 and have not had close contact with anyone with Covid-19.
Instructors and Guests will wear PPE to and from class and in all common areas. Release will give each employee two masks.
Instructors and guests may remove their PPE during class as long as they maintain social distance of at least 6 feet.
Instructors will wash or sanitize hands before and after class.
Instructors and Guests will enter the outdoor space from the parking lot and go directly to an assigned space.
Instructors and guests will not gather in groups and will always maintain social distancing.
Instructors will check in Guests using their phone or Release iPad.
Music will be available to play during class over the outdoor speakers using the studio iPad.
iPad will be wiped down if used during class by teacher
Equipment used in class will be wiped down and or sprayed with disinfectant after each class by instructor or dedicated staff member
There will be no more than 10 people in class INCLUDING the instructor.
Instructor will teach from their space at the front of class and not walk around during class.
No Fitness/cycle towels will be available for classes
Guests encouraged to bring their own equipment. Guests can purchase slightly used equipment for 20% off of Amazon pricing (must be prepaid, and curbside pick-up)
Each instructor on the schedule will be given one set of commonly used equipment (mat, weights, bands). The instructor is responsible for bringing their own equipment to and from class.
Guest will be instructed that all classes must be paid for before arriving at Release. Instructors will not be accepting payment or processing transactions of any kind.
Guests are encouraged to use the restrooms before coming to class as bathrooms will not be available during this phase.
Indoor Fitness and Cycling Classes: Phase 3: June 29th or later depending on health data trends
Instructors and Guests will enter through reception and exit through the outdoor patio or front door of NFH cycling studio.
Instructors will wear a PPE to and from class and in all common areas. Release will give each employee 2 PPE to wear when at Release.
We will update use of PPE policy based on state and local government mandates at that time.
Instructors will wash/sanitize hands before and after class.
Instructors and guests will not gather in groups and will always maintain social distancing.
Instructors will check in Guests using their phone or Release iPad.
Music will be available to play during class using the studio iPad.
Instructors will wipe down all high touch surfaces in the studio with disinfectant wipe after class, including iPad, iPad stand, microphone, door handles (inner and outer), light switches, fan controls, temperature controls and humidifier.
Release will continue to offer live stream classes to provide access to those unable to get into classes due to smaller size and those who aren’t ready to attend live classes, with links to recordings available for 48 hours.
Studio floors are marked to indicate appropriate spacing.
Guests will bring their own towels.
Each instructor on the schedule will be provided one set of equipment to use for teaching. Instructor is responsible for bringing their own equipment to and from class.
Instructor will be instructed that all classes must be paid for before arriving at Release. Instructors will not be accepting payment or processing transactions of any kind.
Guests are encouraged to use the restrooms before coming to class. However, locker rooms will be available for use with appropriate social distancing spacing and protocols.
Instructor will make sure wipes are stocked; extra wipes are located in the Fitness closet.
Instructors will disinfect floor after each class.
Safety and cleaning checklist will be posted and must be utilized.
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Beginning June 8th, if deemed permissible by state and local governments at that time, we will begin to offer Spa Services with one hour of Bliss on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays. We will open seven days a week beginning June 29th if deemed permissible by state and local governments. Below are Covid-19 Protocols for Spa Services and Bliss. Release has met and exceeded all safety guidelines and regulations required by law.
*Protocols are subject to change as we receive more updated guidelines from the state of Massachusetts.

All services must be prepaid in advance, including a 20% gratuity, to avoid the exchange of cash or credit cards. Appointments cancelled more than 24 hours prior to the service or due to health concerns will be refunded 100%. Gratuity may be adjusted after the service.
Liability waiver and intake form(s) must be completed prior to arrival, again to reduce the exchange of documents.
When you arrive for your appointment, please call 508-986-2330. We will conduct a brief interview to ensure that you are healthy and answer your questions. You will remain in your vehicle until we call to inform you that it’s time for your appointment. When you enter the facility, your provider will escort you to the assigned spa service room to receive your service.
Providers will wear the designated PPE for appropriate for service provided and we require you to wear a mask during your service.
Appointments will be scheduled with 30-minute spacing between each to allow thorough cleaning and sanitizing of rooms.
Guests will wait in their vehicle, or wait in safe a location outside, until called in by guest services.
Implementing staggered room usage to minimize contamination and allow thorough cleaning.
All rooms and instruments used will be cleaned and disinfected at the beginning and end of each shift, as well as in between each appointment.
Clean and disinfect all non-porous surfaces and implements used in the service.
Store properly disinfected implements in closed, containers that have also been disinfected.
Clean and disinfect all electrical implements and other tools and implements before and after use on a guest.
Clean and disinfect chairs and headrests and another spa furniture before and after each guest.
Use of barrier methods on chairs such as paper drapes to be discarded after each guest.
Posting cleaning and sanitizing checklists and monitoring to ensure compliance.
Ensure that single use (porous items) are new and are immediately discarded in receptacles with lids.
We will provide appropriate social distancing spacing and guidelines for each Bliss experience, which must be observed by all guests.
We will not offer foot soaks at this time period for safety reasons.
We will not offer spa packages during this time period.
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Massage Therapy
Release Signature Massage
Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage
Aromatherapy Massage
CBD Enhanced Massage
Reflexology
Prenatal Massage

Marconics Energy Healing
Reiki
Polarity Therapy

Oncology Massage
Himalayan Salt Stone Massages
Himalayan Salt Scrubs
Cupping Therapy
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Private Thai Yoga
Integrated Positional Therapy
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All Therapists will be required to wear the following PPE:
Face Mask- to be changed between each client
Face Shield- to be sanitized and disinfected between each client
Disposable Gloves- to be changed between each client

More info to be provided as we await an official report from the state and board of cosmetology

Release will conduct a thorough cleaning of facility prior to opening, including all surfaces using EPA recommended cleaning solutions. All materials will be laundered including seat cushions, spa linens.

Nightly fogging or ozone treatment to entire facility by cleaning crew.
Thorough nightly cleaning by cleaning crew.
Foot operated trash receptacles will be provided throughout facility.
Only employees will touch electronics.
Release employees will clean AND disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, and doorknobs. Dirty surfaces will be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection.
Cleaning schedules will be posted and monitored

Items will be laundered in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.
Hampers or other carts for transporting laundry will be regularly cleaned and sanitized.
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The following steps for responding when an employee tests positive for the coronavirus are based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employees.

Employees who have COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) should notify their supervisor and stay home.
Employees who appear to have symptoms upon arrival at work or who become sick during the day will immediately be separated from other employees, customers, vendors, and visitors, and sent home.
Sick employees will be advised to follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Release will identify and notify affected customers, visitors, and vendors and instruct those employees who came into contact with the sick employee within the 14 day period to go home and self-isolate for 14 days and not return to until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met.
Based on the potential breadth of exposure to coronavirus, Release will consider closing immediately if warranted.
Release will perform enhanced cleaning and disinfection after persons suspected or confirmed to have Covid-19 have been in our facility, following CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations.
Release will collaborate with local and state health departments to ensure appropriate protocols and guidelines, such as updated/additional guidance for cleaning and disinfection, are followed, including for identification of new potential cases of Covid-19.

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While we have done our best to cover all safety protocol this is a work in-progress and we will learn as we go from employees and guests. In order to best capture this data, we have established a protocol that will allow us to document and streamline all concerns, feedback or areas of improvement.

Please share personal concerns, feedback or observations verbally or electronically directly to a manager on duty or Linda Townsend.
A daily log will be collected from the team mangers and shared with the appropriate department managers and business owner. This will ensure each issue is addressed in a timely manner and re-communicated to the community at large.

Release will utilize up-to-date information from the specific coronavirus websites of the CDC or the WHO.
Release will provide more frequent communications on our business, projections, new policies and requirements, your health and safety, and measures we are taking to support our community.
We will gather guest feedback to monitor experiences and concerns and modify protocols accordingly.
We will follow up and resolve all concerns, and questions immediately.

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