PA Stylists and Barbers Can Work Safely

All Salons and Barber Shops in Pennsylvania have been mandated closed due to COVID-19. As an industry, we are categorized by OSHA as "medium risk" for COVID-19 spread. OSHA'S guidelines for medium risk workers include masks, face shields, gloves, and hand sanitizing stations. These are most definitely able to be implemented in our businesses. We can adapt our workplaces and procedures to meet the criteria. Appointments can be spaced further apart to allow time for thorough sanitizing of all surfaces and equipment the client touched. This is already required of us by our State Board, and can be done to a very high standard. Policies can further be implemented to ensure that we refuse service to symptomatic patrons, limit waiting areas, and schedule time in between each service for the sole purpose of thorough cleaning. Please keep in mind that the "Big Box Stores" do not have the propensity to take these steps as thoroughly as Salons and Barber Shops. Please allow us to phase ourselves softly into opening. Keeping us closed indefinitely will phase many of us completely out of business. We can delay our "business as usual" of back to back walk ins and double bookings to a time when it is safe to do so. Our clients highly value our services, and for many, not being properly groomed affects them mentally. Some have disabilities that do not allow them to properly care for their own hair without assistance from us.
This very large industry in our state is comprised of thousands of little businesses, most are "Mom and Pop" size, smaller than the "small business " category. Mr. Wolfe, we have done what you asked of us, now please consider allowing a soft re-opening of Salons and Barber Shops.