Safe, Steady, and Comfortable: Protocol for Yoga Teachers

Our community is pulling together around the continuing updates from the UK Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the containment of COVID-19. As teachers and students of yoga, we are all wondering what is best practice for staying the course and staying safe?

Obviously, first principles start by following the advice provided by the GOV.uk website here, and the World Health Organisation as found here. We encourage everyone in our community to consult these resources regularly in order to make informed decisions.

In the interest of yoga practitioners and teachers continuing to practice during the containment of this virus, we have compiled a set of guidance notes for our teachers:

• Use hand gel and offer it to students - make it an opening gesture.
• Use verbal adjustments instead of getting hands-on - this is an opportunity to refine your teaching skills and protect personal space.
• Maintain distance - sorry, no hugs!
• Do not use studio equipment - ask students to bring their own
• Continue to check email, blog, and Twitter for our latest updates to our studio policies during this period @meadowlarkyoga
• Advise those flagged by government guidelines as high-risk (ie, those returning from an affected country, flu-like symptoms) to attend classes using our livestreaming option instead of turning up in person.
• Be extra vigilant about cleanliness in the studio!
• Disinfect your mat and encourage your students to take their mats home during this period. 
• Maintain communication with studio directors via the regularly scheduled Zoom meetings.
• Teachers and students should always feel comfortable and empowered to share their preferences regarding touch. 
• Maintain your boundaries and encourage others to do the same.
• Remind your students to give the hands a wash on the way out of the studio.
• Stay calm and remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!