PHOENIX — Arizona barbershops and salons are set to reopen on Friday, with added measures to keep customers and professionals safe from the novel coronavirus.
McKenzie Riches owns R Salon in central Phoenix. She is also a stylist and has practiced in the Valley for five years.
Her salon is home to 25 stylists who rent chairs as well as estheticians performing a range of skincare services.
Riches says she is taking every precaution to keep her renters and clients safe.
"When we got the order, everyone is just so excited to come back to work because this is our income and how we support our families," Riches said.
The state released guidance for reopening, but Riches says it's up to each salon's interpretation.
"There are guidelines, not strict rules, if you read through it, it says when possible, that's kind of the gray area. We don't have definite answers," she said.
R Salon will have their own protocol. She says they will screen clients and both stylists and hair clients will have to wear masks and gloves. No extra guests will be allowed in the salon and people will have to wait outside until their stylist sanitizes their station.
Riches' mom Claudine works at the salon as an esthetician. She says although clients can't wear a mask during treatment, she and others will wear masks and gloves.
"It's a little bit easier on us because I didn't have to go buy masks or gloves, I didn't buy barbacide. I used them every day since I've been in practice," said Claudine.
She says her profession has always kept clients safe.
Riches says she's only booking half the number of clients to spend extra time cleaning and sanitizing between clients.
Here are some facts to remember:
The White House and CDC proposed State or Regional Gating Criteria to “satisfy before proceeding to phased comeback” are: Downward trajectory of influenza-like illness reported within a 14-day period and a downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period.
Cases: Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period or positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period.
Hospitals: Ability to treat all patients without crisis care and robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing.
Arizona has not met the proposed criteria but will begin reopening May 8.
