Western New York entered Phase One two weeks ago at midnight on a Monday, and that could mean as early as Tuesday the WNY region could open up.
Despite some confusion and uncertainty surrounding a possible delay of Phase Two, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul says, “Nothing has changed. As long as necessary metrics are sustained, WNY would be eligible for Phase Two reopening as soon as Tuesday.”
Metrics and data must be looked at by the Governor before moving forward.
Phase Two includes:
- Retail
- Hair salons and barber shops
- Professional services
- Finance and insurance
- Administrative support
- Real estate
Barber shops and hair salons are getting ready to re-open under strict guidelines.
Armstrong Barber Shop owner Zach Armstrong has taken re-opening measures into his own hands. His shop produced a video, showing what the new normal will look like when getting a hair cut. It includes having all customers wear a face mask, taking customer’s temperatures before entering the building, and having only one client in the shop at a time.
“We wanted to guide our customers on what re-opening will look like,” he said. “We’re taking the necessary steps to make sure we’re safe and our customers are safe.”
Governor Cuomo says all barber shop employees and hair stylists are required to be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks.
“They have to get a test every two weeks, and if I were walking into a barber shop, I would ask the barber, ‘did you get a test before you re-opened when was the last time you got a test?”
While the salon or barber shop can cut and color hair under Phase Two, beard trimming, facials, manicures/pedicures, makeup application, threading, tweezing, or waxing is prohibited.
