[imagesource: aurel_tattoo/Instagram]

No, I have no idea why the tattoo on the arm (leg?), above, says ‘COVID-13’.

The unfortunate truth is that the person who designed it probably got the name of the virus wrong.

What a time to be alive.

Anyway, moving on.

Amidst the chaos that is the COVID-19 myth generator, was a rumour that getting tattooed would cure the virus.

It won’t, obviously, but fresh ink is good for the soul.

Until recently, tattoo studios in South Africa were closed, despite the fact that they are sterile environments, with artists who know how to keep things sanitised, and have experience dealing with illnesses.

Artists and shop owners tried to lobby government during the initial stages of the lockdown, but the lifting of restrictions came too late for some and a number of parlours have been forced to shut their doors.

Those that remain, are working hard to make up for lost revenue, with a few artists reporting an influx of customers, and some new trends, including requests for COVID-19-related art.

Lee, a Cape Town-based tattoo artist (@lee._.337 on Instagram) says that going forward, one of the main problems that the industry will face is access to supplies.

With PPE shortages, gloves, masks, and other equipment need to go to healthcare workers. Unless production of these supplies is ramped up, tattoo shops could be forced to halt operations until they can access PPE again.

When it comes to emerging trends, he says:

“What’s really interesting here is that people have had time to research, if they were thinking of getting a tattoo. I’m getting a lot of clients who have done the work on their own.

“In Europe things are getting back to normal. I’ve seen a few corona-based ideas going around, but not more so than most things that trend.”

Don, a South African artist working in London (@Don_the_Gypsy on Instagram), where tattoo parlours were only recently allowed to reopen, says the time away from working has an upside, albeit a small one, for tattooers: “a lot of artists started reflecting and coming to terms with their art”.

When asked whether he would tattoo a coronavirus-themed tattoo on someone, the question was met with a firm and resounding “no”.

The COVID-19 tattoo trend is nevertheless gaining traction in other parts of the world, and while it hasn’t completely taken hold in South Africa, it’s only a matter of time. A few toilet rolls and masks have already been inked onto local skin.

If you’d like a preview of what we’ll probably see on fellow South Africans in the coming months, behold:

Yes, those are real, and yes, they are permanent.

If you are considering a tattoo, here’s what you need to know about how things are working for the foreseeable future:

• Studios will not accept walk-in patrons. All consultations and sessions are by appointment only.
• All tattoo artists are required to completely sanitise the workplace before and after each client.
• The wearing of masks is required at all times – for both artists and clients. Gloves must be worn during procedures. No mask, no entry.
• All staff must be certified in the prevention of transmission of bloodborne pathogens – and their certificates to confirm this must be available at all times.
• Surfaces and equipment must be cleaned with industrial-grade cleaning products in line with WHO regulations.
• A contactless thermal scanner will check for high temperatures on all staff and clients, and all will undergo daily health screenings.

This is not the time to seek out a scratcher (someone with little to no training who makes tattoos on the cheap). The rule has always been ‘you get what you pay for’, so the seemingly high price that you pay for a tattoo not only honours the artist’s expertise and time, but also contributes to the sanitation and PPE equipment used in reputable studios.

Finally, a reminder that tattoo shops are small local businesses, and local businesses need our support right now.

So, stop procrastinating and get on that tattoo you’ve been putting off.

Maybe just take a minute to think it over before adding a roll of loo paper to your sleeve.