Is it safe to get tattooed?
Are tattoo shops a safe place?
Well it all depends on where you go I suppose. As it is with any business.
So, is it safe to get a tattoo during a pandemic?
I for one think yes! But there are some things you need to consider.
I’ve heard stories of some shops here in Tucson cramming artists and clients into a shared space… while that doesn’t sound too bad, it totally increases the chances of a small blood borne pathogen transmission, or in times like today a viral airborne or contact spread incident.
That’s a risk I’d rather avoid. My personal clientele and that of my shop are higher end folks that are accustomed to a personal experience where their health is the highest priority. I charge premium prices compared to most tattoo artists in Tucson and so, the experience we offer, reflects how serious we take health and safety.
I’ve had a few clients think we are a bit over the top with our sterilizing practices, but that’s ok with me. The majority value what we offer for them! And that, in my opinion, is how all successful businesses run!
Masks are at the center of every conversation lately. And it seems like no one can agree on the usefulness.
I have been around some folks early on that were asymptomatic, and we followed CDC guidelines very strictly.
I put the health and safety of everyone that works at my shop or visits my shop as the highest priority on our list!
We require all of our artists and support staff and even my daughter to be current on blood borne pathogen training as well as covid training!
When you visit our shop, we require everyone to wear a face covering that covers both your nose and mouth, we have put in place a designated area for your non essential items during the tattoo. Purses, keys, backpacks, coats , basically anything you dont need while sitting for a few hours.
Then we ask you to sterilize your necessary items. Phones, chargers, waterbottles etc at our stainless steel station at the entrance.
We follow that up with a trip to the restroom to wash hands, so that you can come back to your clean things, with clean hands.
A quick temperature check and you are ready to get tattooed.
Everyone that comes in, follows this procedure. And it is the best feeling to k me that everyone is safe.
Throughout the day all of the entrance handles, light switches and any high traffic areas are routinely sterilized!
So if you are wondering if it’s safe to get tattooed during the coronavirus pandemic. I assure you that there are places that are putting in the extra effort to lessen your chances of exposure.
My feeling is that, it’s easier to tone down our efforts if we can agree that it isnt that bad, but I sure as hell dont want to be caught off guard if they raise safety protocols.
I for one, do not want to close my business again.
DAVID