Are barbershops ready to reopen? SF salon shares preparedness for resuming business after Newsom issues new guidelines
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Hair salons and barbershops are now able to reopen their doors in most of California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in a press conference Tuesday.
RELATED: California moves into Phase 3 of reopening with hair salons, barbershops, Gov. Newsom announces
Counties that have attested to the state that COVID-19 is under control locally can reopen those businesses effective immediately. 47 of California's 58 counties have completed that process so far. Napa, Sonoma and Solano county are the only Bay Area counties permitted to reopen hair salons. Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara Counties do not yet have approval.
Similar to other businesses that have been allowed to reopen amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, hair salons will have to follow a new set of health and safety guidelines.
Some guidelines include staggering appointments to reduce congestion, requiring the use of face coverings for staff and customers, removing high-touch amenities, disinfecting stations frequently and contacting customers before appointments to ensure they aren't exhibiting any symptoms.
Tuesday's modification to the state's stay-at-home order does not allow for nail salons to reopen, Newsom said.
Patrick Evan, owner of Patrick Evan Salon in San Francisco spoke to ABC7 News in our 3 p.m. interactive newscast on how his salon is preparing to reopen.
Although San Francisco has not been approved for salons or barbershops to reopen yet, Evan is preparing for once the county gets the green light. Evans shared that the new guidelines are reasonable and doable.
LIFE AFTER COVID-19: Here's what restaurants, gyms, schools, sports will look like when they reopen
Evan is building sneeze guards for his two front desks, planning to use ever other station to allow for 11 feet of distancing between each stylist and removing the self-serve refreshment area in the shop.
Patricks Evan Salon only services hair appointments so having to refuse any facial or waxing services does not apply. All their hair cutting, coloring and other services can be done with a mask on, Evan added.
He says the most challenging thing will be managing the flow of customers coming in and out of the entrance so staggering appointments and extending salon hours is necessary.
After Governor Newsom's announcement today, Evan has been receiving non-stop calls, emails, and texts asking if his salon was open and taking appointments. Not open yet, Evan explained.
RELATED: Here's what it will take to reopen the Bay Area
Evan is waiting for the city's approval before taking reservations, in case San Francisco's regulations are stricter than the state's.
"It's worth the wait. There's no reason to take the risk for hair," he said.
Evan said he wasn't in a rush to reopen and explained there are mixed feelings among him and his stylist on coming back.
"There are mixed feelings, including myself" he said. "We're all excited to be back to the craft we love and enjoy and be back to our customers, but there's always going to be apprehension until there's a vaccine for this."
With uncertainty about a reopening time and steep rent cost, Evan says "it's very very challenging," but he's grateful to work his stylist and believes his business will stay afloat.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
- When will the San Francisco Bay Area reopen? Track progress on 6 key metrics to reopening here
- Life after COVID-19: Here's what restaurants, gyms will look like
- Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
- INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: How close was CA to becoming a NY-level crisis?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- How California's COVID-19 cases stack up against other hot spot states
- Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
- List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Asian American community
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on African American community
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Latino community
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
- List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
- No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
- Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
