Business & Tech

CA Hair Salons, Barbershops Can Open With Modifications, Gov Says

Previously considered a "stage 3" business, CA hair salons may now reopen with county approval in those areas already granted a variance.

"You should expect more of those directives and guidelines to be put out over the next few days and the next few weeks," Gov. Newsom said.
"You should expect more of those directives and guidelines to be put out over the next few days and the next few weeks," Gov. Newsom said. (Shutterstock)

CALIFORNIA — Though the state remains in stage 2 of California's reopening plan, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that hair salons and barbershops may now open back up in those counties already approved for "accelerated reopening." Those facilities had previously been classified as a stage 3 step.

Accelerated reopening refers to those counties that have provided attestations that they are ready to move beyond stage 2 by meeting specific criteria previously laid out by the state. As of Tuesday, 47 of 58 counties had met that criteria to receive a regional variance, Newsom said at a media briefing.

After mentioning that there have been more than 2,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 19 deaths in the last 24 hours in California, Newsom said we are in a "transition" phase of the economy.

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Full California coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What To Know


"It's a long way of saying we still have a long way to go before we get where we need to be," Newsom said. "We're not even out of the first wave of this pandemic... By no stretch of the imagination, is this virus behind us."

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Still, Newsom said the state is moving forward cautiously and referenced the modifications made over the weekend to churches and retail.

"You should expect more of those directives and guidelines to be put out over the next few days and the next few weeks," he said, adding that "we want to see how some of these phased-in modifications go" before other adjustments are made.

As for hair salons and barbershops, they must meet specific guidelines as well. And those located in some areas of the state that remain on further lockdown, like the Bay Area and Los Angeles County, may not yet move forward.

"These sectors may be open in counties that have received state approval, but are not permitted to open statewide," the state's website on COVID-19 guidance states.

In the counties whose health departments have allowed businesses to move deeper into stage 2, the state issued guidance for hair salons to follow. Some of the guidelines include:

  • Workers must use face coverings that cover the nose and mouth.
  • Salons must provide temperature and/or symptom screenings for all workers at the beginning of their shift.
  • Customers should be screened upon arrival. Be prepared to cancel or reschedule customers who indicate they have any signs of illness.
  • Disposable gloves should be worn for services that require them.
  • Frequently disinfect commonly used surfaces.
  • Amenities, including magazines, books, coffee, water, self-serve stations (unless touchless), and other items for customers, must be removed from reception areas to help reduce touch points and customer interactions.
  • Discontinue the use of shared food and beverage equipment in breakrooms (including shared coffee brewers).
  • Implement measures to ensure physical distancing of at least six feet between and among workers and customers, except when providing haircutting and other close contact services.
  • Request customers to bring and use face coverings during the visit.
  • Ensure that workers do not see multiple customers at once.

Other businesses in stage 3, like gyms, must still remain closed.

"Some parts of the state will not be able to pace as quickly into phase 3," Newsom said on Tuesday, though not giving an exact timeline for when that stage may begin. "Others are able to move a little bit more quickly."

As for phase 4, which includes things like concerts and other large gatherings— Newsom said we are still a long ways off.

"We are not there yet," he said.


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