Gov. Newsom says California hair and nail salons are allowed to operate outside

local nail, hair salons can operate outside

The next time you get your hair cut - you may need some sun screen. Today, Governor Newsom said salon and barbershop owners can move their business outside.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - After some confusion and frustration in the personal care services industry, Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Monday that salons, barbershops and nail salons can now operate outside.

Outdoor operations may be conducted under tent, canopy or under sun

Governor Newsom throwing a lifeline to salon and barbershop owners announcing they can move their business outside. The announcement comes with strict guidelines.

Newsom said such plans have been in the works for some time, but figuring out the logistics was more complex than other outdoor business operations because of the use of chemicals in some beauty services, like perms.

The Professional Beauty Federation of California and a state assemblyman from Fresno are asking Governor Newsom to waive a state regulation in order to allow stylists and barbers to operate outside.

Last week, Assemblyman Jim Patterson, (R) of Fresno, told KTVU it wasn't fair that the restaurant industry was allowed to operate outside with other industries are not.

Salon owners want to set up shop outside as COVID-19 keeps doors closed

Patterson sent a letter to Newsom asking him to waive a state regulation to allow barbers and stylists to operate outside, too.

The letter was signed by the Professional Beauty Federation of California and it asked the governor to temporarily waive the state code that requires all barbering, cosmetology, and electrology services to be performed in a licensed establishment.

CDC expands list of high-risk conditions for COVID-19 complications

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made revisions to its list of underlying medical conditions that put people at a higher risk of severe complications from the novel coronavirus.

Some of those guidelines include:

• Workers should wear disposable gloves when removing used linens, towels, and other draping, including blankets and client draping for each treatment. Do not shake the dirty laundry.

• Properly disinfecting all appliances at work stations and in treatment areas between each customer.

• Where possible, do not clean by sweeping or other methods that can disperse pathogens into the air. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter wherever possible.

• Amenities, including magazines, art books, coffee, self-serve stations (unless touchless), and other items for customers, should not be provided in the outdoor setting.

• Encourage the use of credit cards and contactless payment systems. If electronic or card payment is not possible, customers should come with exact cash payment or check.

• Consider upgrading to touchless faucets, soap and paper towel dispensers, and adding touchless, automatic hand sanitizer dispensers.

• Discontinue the use of shared food and beverage equipment in breakrooms

• In addition to the above cleaning and disinfecting protocols cosmetology and barbering businesses must follow the existing California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology rules.

The full list of new guidelines can be found on the state's COVID-19 website.

This story was reported in Oakland, Calif.

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