COVID-19 and Seeing Clients
March 16, 2020 08:25 AM
COVID-19 Update from AMTA
AMTA continues to follow the development of COVID-19 regarding its spread across the nation, hotspots, as well as the most updated authoritative information and research pertaining to the virus. Recent information indicates that the virus is known to linger in the air for up to three hours. This fact (NIH/Princeton/UCLA), and the fact that the virus has an incubation period of up to 14 days, has significance for any music therapist who practices in close physical proximity to the client for delivery of music therapy services. Recent projections also show that a steep increase in the number of people affected by the virus is entirely possible. Health officials, as you know, note we are not out of danger and the focus is on controlling the spread of disease so as to not overwhelm health resources. It is imperative, therefore, that we act responsibly and in accordance with our obligation to ensure the safety of our clients/patients and you. Many music therapists are feeling the dilemma of whether or not to see clients/patients. First and foremost, consult your facility’s infection control specialists and adhere to ALL facility protocols. In addition to adhering to institutional infection control measures in place, we urge all music therapists in doubt to review the Ethical Decision Making Model cited in the link below and consider the context of your individual practices. For additional information concerning the latest CDC updates of Covid-19, in particular, specific information for healthcare providers, please see the second link below.
https://www.scu.edu/media/ethics-center/resources/making.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html
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