FRESNO, CA (KMJ) — Governor Gavin Newsom announces hair salons and barbershops can now be added to the regional re-openings.
The Gov. making the announcement Tuesday, at his daily coronavirus briefing.
The details of how the salons open is at the direction of the county public health departments.
NEW: Starting today, many counties across California can choose to reopen hair salons and barbershops — with serious modifications in place.
LEARN MORE HERE: https://t.co/6g7JwwcCzl
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) May 26, 2020
Gov. Newsom said 47 of the 58 counties in California have been approved to move further through Phase 2.
Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Kings, and Kern are among those approved for Phase 2; Tulare County is not.
The state’s guidance says customers and workers in barbershops and salons must wear face coverings during hair-cutting and other hands-on services.
Salons that reopen must only provide services that allow for both the worker and customer to wear face coverings for the entirety of the service, which means that haircuts, weaves and extensions, braiding, lock and wig maintenance, hair relaxing treatments and color services can be provided.
Services like eyebrow waxing and threading, facials and eyelash services are still not allowed since they involve touching the customer’s face, according to the state’s guidance.
Businesses will also have to provide protective gear to their employees and train them on COVID-19 prevention plans, make sure they remain in compliance and adhere to the state’s guidelines.
All workers and customers need to be screened for high temperatures and other COVID-19 symptoms when they come in.
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 26, 2020
Fresno County among counties approved by the State for reopening of barbershops and hair salons
Businesses to include appropriate health and safety protocols
FRESNO, CA., Tuesday, May 26, 2020 – That State of California has announced that Fresno County is among the Counties approved to allow for the modified reopening of barbershops and hair salons as the County moves further into Stage 2 of COVID-19 recovery. Those businesses looking to reopen will do so with appropriate measures in place to protect the health and safety of employees and customers in a continued effort to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“This is another step in the right direction for Fresno County,” says Buddy Mendes, Chairman of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. “We continue to make progress against this pandemic and our community is ready to continue those efforts while getting back to work. We look forward to seeing more businesses reopen safely and moving Fresno County further down the road to recovery.”
To minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission, State guidance indicates that services for barbershops and hair salons must be limited to those that can be provided with both the worker and customer wearing face coverings for the entirety of the service.
Additional measures that salons and barbers must take prior to reopening include:
- Implement measures to ensure physical distancing of at least six feet between and among workers and customers waiting for haircuts or other services
- Provide temperature and/or symptom screenings for all workers at the beginning of their shift and any vendors, contractors, or other workers entering the establishment.
- Encourage workers and customers who are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home.
- Screen customers upon arrival and be prepared to cancel or reschedule customers who indicate they have any signs of illness.
- Require workers and customers to use face coverings during the entire haircut or other close contact hair services
“This has been a trying time for our entire community,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Interim Health Officer. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to allow some services to resume, but we must not get complacent when it comes to infection control. COVID-19 has not gone away, so we must remain vigilant in our efforts to practice physical distancing, hand hygiene, masking when needed, and other recommended safety measures that will keep us in the best position to move forward.”
The State’s variance for barbershops and hair salons is effective immediately, however owners or operators must first work with the Fresno County Department of Public Health and attest that they will only resume operation when they are ready and able to implement the necessary safety measures to provide for their safety and that of their customers.
The approval of the modified reopening of barbershops and salons in Fresno County follows other recent approvals statewide for the modified reopening of retail services and places of worship. Each of these sectors is expected to follow appropriate safety measures in accordance with state guidance.
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