CANAL FULTON, Ohio — Piece by piece, Ohio businesses are starting to reopen but the process remains puzzling to some, including licensed massage therapists.
While some restaurants, bars and hair salons are allowed to reopen next week, massage therapists are still waiting for clear guidance.
Brittany Stefan, who owns Sapphire Lotus Massage in Canal Fulton, hasn't been able to schedule clients since she was forced to close in the middle of March and the financial toll is adding up.
"My livelihood has been ultimately diminished. It's been extremely difficult," she said. "I haven't had any income. I haven't been able to get unemployment. The amount of money I've lost right now is immeasurable."
Stefan wrote letters to politicians, county and state and health departments, and Dr. Amy Acton questioning why therapists in chiropractic and other medical offices have been allowed to return to work, but she remains prohibited from resuming massage at her business.
"There's still contact and contact is contact no matter the location of what you're practicing," Stefan said.
Stefan said therapists have been confused over who would make the final decision on reopening.
On Thursday, Lt. Gov. John Husted announced recommendations will come from the State Medical Board of Ohio.
A spokesperson for the board, Tessie Pollock, said information will be sent to licensees as soon as the plan for client safety is finalized and a date is decided.
"The Medical Board is working diligently on the plan for reopening all massage therapy locations," Pollock said.
Given the close nature of her work, Stefan understands why some are concerned about massage therapists reopening, but she argues her business should be considered medically necessary.
"I have so many clients that I treat as therapy as opposed to just Swedish massage, so for many of clients, this is medically necessary because they're in chronic pain daily," Stefan said.
Stefan said she's preparing to take several safety measures when her business starts up again, including going paperless and cashless and doing intense disinfecting to keep clients safe.
"I'm willing to mask and I'm willing, if my clients feel comfortable wearing masks, I feel that it totally appropriate."
In the meantime, Stefan said it's becoming increasingly difficult for her family to pay for bills and rent.
"If it goes on much longer, I don't know what my future holds quite honestly."
