COVID-19 admin & safety policies

What to do if you are feeling ill or have been exposed to COVID-19

We are asking clients who are feeling ill and/or have potentially been exposed to someone who tested positive to COVID to STAY HOME. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include including cough, fever, fatigue, dizziness and brain fog. For more information about the BCCDC’s recommended time frames for self-isolation, READ HERE.

If you are ill, please contact us to cancel or reschedule your appointment

  • If it is before 12 hrs of your appointment, we prefer you cancel online through your JaneApp account
  • Email us @ info@heartandhandscommunity.ca (you will get a faster response)
  • Call us @ 250-590-3185, please leave a message if there is no answer

Use the BCCDC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool or call the nurses hotline at 8-1-1 if you require further medical advice. For more information, please follow the guidelines from HealthLinkBC.

Please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or your symptoms are worsening.

The policies listed below adhere to standards of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC as well as WorkSafeBC. And we thank you in advance for your patience, these policies are subject to change and will continue to evolve based on public health advisories.


Masking policies

We are one of the few practices in Victoria that still prioritizes the safety of immunocompromised folks. Our treatment spaces (ie. Community Acupuncture room) will remain mask mandatory as we are a community health setting and out of consideration of your fellow clients, customers, staff and practitioners are medically vulnerable.

As we have learned, COVID transmission as well as other airbourne viruses are not seasonal and folks have been contracting and transmitting illness continuously all year around. Reducing and preventing transmission of respiratory viruses is our priority.

We thank you in advance for your consideration, because immunocompromised people matter. If you forget your mask, as always, we will have medical masks available for $2.


Cancellation policies

For Community Acupuncture and Cupping, we are accepting cancellations/rescheduling up to 12 HOURS BEFORE your scheduled appointment.

Missed appointments or late cancellations (less than 12 hrs notice) will be subject to a $35 fee.

*Our Other Offerings Practitioners may have their own COVID policies, which they will notify you of when you book with them.

Exceptions granted to the following unforeseen and/or emergency situations:

  • Illness or accident
  • Personal or family emergencies
  • Childcare conflicts
  • If you have been exposed to COVID-19

Up to 12 HOURS BEFORE, you may cancel your appointment via:

  • If it is before 12 hrs of your appointment, we prefer you cancel online through your JaneApp account
  • Email us @ info@heartandhandscommunity.ca (you will get a faster response)
  • Call us @ 250-590-3185, please leave a message if there is no answer

Our JaneApp system sends email appointment reminders 36 hours before.
If you do not use or regularly check your email, please put systems in place to remind yourself of the appointment you have booked.

PLEASE NOTE: we always do our due diligence to contact you if you miss an appointment. Failure to follow-up with us will result in your online booking being disabled until your $35 fee is paid.

Be accountable for the timeslot you have booked, as our scheduling is limited.
Help us help you get the acupuncture you need.


Safety & disinfection

These are the procedures we are using for disinfecting our space and ensuring both practitioners and clients are reducing the risk of viral transmission. These policies will be subject to change as things continue to evolve.

  • Our online booking sends a COVID-19 symptom screening survey, please complete this prior to your visit.
  • There will be hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes available at the Invisible Receptionist so you can disinfect your hands and wipe down the POS machine + pen after your use.
  • We run a HEPA air purifier, HVAC system and ceiling fan to maintain adequate air circulation and sanitization.