Statement from the international association of ear piercing specialists (EPM) e.V.

Assessment and recommendations on protective and safety measures for ear piercing

Aachen, 21.4.2020 - With the gradual opening of the retail trade and the resulting easing of restrictions in many European countries, we hereby outline our assessment and recommendations as the International Association of Ear-Piercing Specialists (EPM) e.V. for the safe resumption and practice of ear-piercing in times of the Corona Pandemic.

According to EPM's assessment, there is no extraordinary risk of infection in ear piercing beyond the normal risk of infection of the general population.

The safe resumption and practice of ear piercing is justified by appropriate protective and safety measures, which are already at a high standard, especially within the framework of the legal hygiene regulations. In this context, we also refer to the hygiene plans of the manufacturers of ear piercing systems, which cover topics such as hand and surface disinfection, as well as the necessary declarations of consent, which not least guarantee that customers can be reached subsequently if necessary.

In order to further minimise the risk of infection with the corona virus, we recommend, in addition to the applicable hygiene measures, further flanking protective and safety measures for the safe resumption and practice of ear piercing; in detail

1. ear piercing specialists should wear gloves and - where prescribed - also mouth and nose masks
2. where required, clients must also wear mouth and nose masks. Sick or infected customers should not be served.
3. hand disinfection should also be provided.
4. surface disinfection should be provided before and after each ear piercing process.

In the opinion of EPM, ear piercing can be resumed and practiced in times of corona pandemic, provided that the recommended protective and safety measures are observed.