Despite many people expressing concerns about shaggy hair and an inability to trim their flowing locks during the COVID-19 pandemic, hairstylists in BC are pushing to stay closed just a little while longer.
Hairstylists and barbers are calling upon the BC Government to not include salons or barbershops in the first phase of reopening the economy.
The motivation for their desire to stay temporarily closed stems from a growing worry that stylists cannot offer services while properly social distancing. The nature of a haircut does not allow for a stylist to remain the government-recommended two metres apart from a customer.
As of Monday morning, an online petition asking Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix to hold off on reopening salons has garnered over 3,000 signatures.
“Our government has made incredible strides in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and must understand that a decision to reopen salons first would put our communities and economy at greater risk than benefit,” reads the petition.
The petition points to Alberta’s decision to open barbershops in phase one of their reopening as a worrisome, raising questions as to what safety equipment will be available and at what cost?
Typically, barbers and stylists provide their own cleaning and cutting supplies, but the additional cost of PPE could be burdensome on workers.
The petition also argues touching a large number of clients in an enclosed area and the recirculation of air from air conditioners and blow dryers creates heightened risks.
“We need to take thoughtful steps, as we have thus far. We hope that our government continues to be measured and informed in their decisions to benefit and protect us,” said the petition.
Dr. Henry announced over the weekend that BC will reopen various sectors of economy only when the time is right and when its clear that a “workable” protection plan can be implemented.
The government is expecting to take a slow, cautious approach to reopening and Dr. Henry suggested that barbershops will not be included in the plans being rolled out by BC Premier John Horgan in the coming days.
On another positive note for worried hairstylists, Dr. Henry added the decision to open salons won’t be taken lightly.
If barbershops are not included in the initial wave of easing restrictions, the focus will then become if concerns of BC hairstylists and the safety questions they’ve raised are answered before the government calls on them to reopen.
Stylists in Manitoba go back to work Monday, while Alberta and Saskatchewan hairdressers are likely to return to work next week.
Currently, hairstylists face a $25,000 fine and potential jail time in BC for working against shut down orders.
Graham Cox
