State leaders today released a proposal to reopen Alabama businesses, including salons and tattoo parlors, but questions loomed about whether it’s safe for those types of shops to do so.
A group of lawmakers and business leaders who are advising Gov. Kay Ivey issued a report called “Reopen Alabama Responsibly,” which recommends immediately reopening — with some new conditions and safety requirements — salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors and tanning salons, all of which are deemed “close contact” businesses.
Ivey said she does not plan to take any immediate action on the recommendations in the plan.
Because of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, those businesses and others deemed “non-essential” are currently closed through April 30, per an order issued by State Health Officer Scott Harris.
[Related: Barber shop cuts plan to defy Alabama coronavirus order by reopening]
The Reopen Alabama report is one of several recommendations being offered to Gov. Kay Ivey as she looks to reopen the state in phases. In response to the report, the governor issued a statement saying she does not plan to take any immediate action on the recommendations. Harris hasn’t publicly commented on the proposal, which would require his approval to take effect.
Getting back to work won’t be an easy decision under the circumstances, at least for some stylists.
“It’s a very tough call,” said Mary Reinhardt, a stylist at a Decatur salon and a teacher at the Salon Professional Academy in Huntsville. “I want to go back to work.”
But, Reinhardt said, she’s uncertain about whether it’s safe for her, other stylists and their clients.
“As stylists, we also have to protect the public,” she said. “It’s not just about making people look good. That’s what I teach my students.”
The Reopen Alabama recommendations would require employees of salons and other “close contact” businesses to wear masks, and, in most instances, gloves. Salons and barber shops would be required to maintain six feet between work stations.
[Related: Alabama should require masks in public, says hospital CEO]
Customers would be required to wash or sanitize their hands, and workers would have to sanitize all tools between appointments. Customers would be serviced only with appointments; walk-ins would not be allowed. Cash payments would be prohibited at barber shops.
Some businesses, like waxing and nail salons, would require employees to have their temperature checked each day.
Tattoo and body artists, and employees at waxing salons, and massage businesses “should wear a disposable lab-coat or protective gown,” the report proposes.
Protective gear, like masks and gloves, has been in short supply globally during the pandemic, and some health experts have said health care workers could be at risk if those supplies are being taken by the general public.
At barber shops and hair salons with four or more employees, staffing would be limited to 50 percent at a time, and only one customer would be allowed inside the building for each worker.
Employees or customers with COVID-19 symptoms would be prohibited from working or receiving services.
Salons wouldn’t be allowed to provide books, magazines or other reading materials for clients.
“Generally, if all organizations follow their common cleaning and sanitizing practices risk of contamination is considerably mitigated,” the report says.
Reinhardt said sanitizing was already a top priority at Parlour Hush, the beauty salon where she works in Decatur. But she still worries about spreading the virus because of the proximity between stylists and clients.
Even before the pandemic, stylists tried to avoid serving clients who were sick, Reinhardt said, but she’s concerned about the potential for spread between asymptomatic people.
“What if I was asymptomatic and giving it to other guests?” she said. “There’s a lot of uncertainty. Is it safe?”
Speaking at Huntsville’s daily coronavirus briefing shortly after the new proposal was unveiled, Dr. Karen Landers, the Alabama Department of Public Health’s northern district medical officer, said now is not the time to relax social distancing guidelines. Landers didn’t specifically address the Reopen Alabama proposal by name but her comments appeared to be at odds with its recommendations.
“It is not time for us to say, ‘OK, we’ve had impact, let’s stop what we’re doing,’” Landers said. “But rather to continue all the processes that are in place.
“People need to continue to stay at home,” Landers added. “Only go out for essential work or essential supplies.”
Here are some related stories on Friday’s recommendations:
Alabama doctors offices open up in May, plan recommends
As Alabama looks to reopen, state health official says people need to stay home
Masks and temperature checks? Rules vary by business in Alabama’s plan to reopen
Could youth sports really resume in Alabama on May 11?
Small businesses optimistic with recommendations to re-open; caution urged