I would be very surprised if you are not aware of the current precautions being taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19. As we witness a downward trend in cases across Australia (and particularly locally in the Launceston area), it’s heartening to see restrictions easing and I am, of course, over the moon to be welcoming students back into this bright little yoga studio.

I feel that it is important to let you know what I am doing as the owner/operator to ensure the safety of all yogis and prevent community spread. The biggest changes you will notice are:

1. I have relocated the yoga studio to a larger room near the front of the property, which allows adequate spacing as well as easy access to a hand-washing facility.

2. You are required to bring your own mat, props (as desired) and a towel.

3. You will be asked to wash your hands thoroughly upon arrival and before departure.

If you are interested in the finer details, these are the direct measures I am taking:

• Ensuring adequate ventilation of the studio space is maintained.

• Increasing the regularity of cleaning, especially between classes.

• Using industry standard cleaning products and methods (with natural ingredients when possible).

• Positioning hand sanitiser and cleaning materials in readily accessible locations.

• Demarcating 1.5m between mats and limiting numbers to 3 students per class.

• Increasing the gap between consecutive classes to minimise person-to-person interactions.

• Cancelling classes in advance if I have any of the Covid-19 warning signs or symptoms.

You can do your part in ensuring we have a safe space to practise yoga by:

• Staying away when you have any signs or symptoms of illness, in particular a cough, sore throat or elevated temperature (remember, I have online yoga class options available, so you can always practise from home if you are unsure).

• Bringing your own mat and/or other props

• Washing your hands upon arrival. I will then dispense hand sanitiser for you.

• Bringing your own mat and towel to class, along with any other equipment you feel you may need (bolster, blanket, block, strap, etc.)

• Wiping any equipment or surfaces that you touch down using your towel and the surface cleaner provided at the end of class.

I am very happy to take the time to discuss these measures with you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time. You are also welcome to request a copy of my Covid-19 Safety Plan and/or Hygiene Procedure. In particular, if you are feeling unsure about props, please just come with a mat and towel to your first session and we can discuss other props that might be useful for you and how to either obtain them or make something suitable/similar from items you will have at home.

Bright Beginnings Yoga will ensure to stay as informed as possible of regulations and guidelines for yoga studios and will be guided by Government authorities (both National and State) as well as advice from our peak body, Yoga Australia.