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| Colorado Hair Salons Are Reopening, With New Rules | Colorado Hair Salons Are Reopening, With New Rules |
| (about 16 hours later) | |
| LOVELAND, Colo. — Last Tuesday, during the first few days that this state loosened restrictions on businesses that were temporarily closed because of the novel coronavirus, Blush Beauty Bar reopened for appointments. It was the first time that customers had been allowed inside the hair salon in 48 days, and the stylists were booked solid. (They remain so through the end of the month.) | LOVELAND, Colo. — Last Tuesday, during the first few days that this state loosened restrictions on businesses that were temporarily closed because of the novel coronavirus, Blush Beauty Bar reopened for appointments. It was the first time that customers had been allowed inside the hair salon in 48 days, and the stylists were booked solid. (They remain so through the end of the month.) |
| The owner, Mindy Bodley, 40, took care with the safety precautions she put in place for her customers and her staff of three. She has bills and rent to pay. “This month will be a push. We have to cover May and June,” she said. “I am relieved to be back working.” | The owner, Mindy Bodley, 40, took care with the safety precautions she put in place for her customers and her staff of three. She has bills and rent to pay. “This month will be a push. We have to cover May and June,” she said. “I am relieved to be back working.” |
| Throughout Colorado and other states that have allowed certain businesses to reopen, store owners must navigate new government guidelines designed to balance a restart of the economy with the possibility of worsening the pandemic — without scaring away customers. It remains to be seen how consumers will react; a late-April survey by Healthier Colorado and the Colorado Health Foundation found that 64 percent of Coloradans support a policy of staying home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, even if that means businesses will remain closed. | Throughout Colorado and other states that have allowed certain businesses to reopen, store owners must navigate new government guidelines designed to balance a restart of the economy with the possibility of worsening the pandemic — without scaring away customers. It remains to be seen how consumers will react; a late-April survey by Healthier Colorado and the Colorado Health Foundation found that 64 percent of Coloradans support a policy of staying home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, even if that means businesses will remain closed. |
| But after seven weeks of isolation and relaxed beauty routines, it seems people desperately want to get their hair cut. | But after seven weeks of isolation and relaxed beauty routines, it seems people desperately want to get their hair cut. |
| In the final minutes before the salon reopened, Diamond Herrera, 22, a stylist, and Desi Orr, 19, a receptionist, tested out the no-touch forehead thermometers. Ms. Bodley reminded them of their new operating procedures. (Everyone wears a mask, and stylists must don the hot pink rubber gloves they previously used for messy jobs like dyeing.) The interior had been rearranged: the seating area eliminated, the counter shifted to the side to allow customers to stand six feet away. | In the final minutes before the salon reopened, Diamond Herrera, 22, a stylist, and Desi Orr, 19, a receptionist, tested out the no-touch forehead thermometers. Ms. Bodley reminded them of their new operating procedures. (Everyone wears a mask, and stylists must don the hot pink rubber gloves they previously used for messy jobs like dyeing.) The interior had been rearranged: the seating area eliminated, the counter shifted to the side to allow customers to stand six feet away. |
| At 10 a.m., Ms. Orr stepped outside to meet the first customer, Amy Eldridge, 45, who had called from her car to announce her arrival. Ms. Orr confirmed that Ms. Eldridge didn’t have a fever, and that she had brought a face mask. | At 10 a.m., Ms. Orr stepped outside to meet the first customer, Amy Eldridge, 45, who had called from her car to announce her arrival. Ms. Orr confirmed that Ms. Eldridge didn’t have a fever, and that she had brought a face mask. |
| “Have you been sick in the last 14 days?” Ms. Orr asked. “Have you been around anyone who has been sick in the last 14 days? Do you have any flulike symptoms?” | “Have you been sick in the last 14 days?” Ms. Orr asked. “Have you been around anyone who has been sick in the last 14 days? Do you have any flulike symptoms?” |
| After replying no to all three, Ms. Eldridge was allowed inside. (The first glitch presented itself when Ms. Orr realized the door had locked behind her. It was part of the new protocol: No walk-in customers are allowed, so the door stays locked.) | After replying no to all three, Ms. Eldridge was allowed inside. (The first glitch presented itself when Ms. Orr realized the door had locked behind her. It was part of the new protocol: No walk-in customers are allowed, so the door stays locked.) |
| Once inside, Ms. Eldridge was asked to wash her hands, before sitting down in the black leather salon chair, placing her purse and keys into a plastic box beside her. | Once inside, Ms. Eldridge was asked to wash her hands, before sitting down in the black leather salon chair, placing her purse and keys into a plastic box beside her. |
| Finally, it came to the moment of familiarity. “So how are things?” Ms. Bodley asked as she prepared to cut Ms. Eldridge’s hair. | Finally, it came to the moment of familiarity. “So how are things?” Ms. Bodley asked as she prepared to cut Ms. Eldridge’s hair. |
| “They’re good!” Ms. Eldridge replied. | “They’re good!” Ms. Eldridge replied. |
| She had made her appointment seven months earlier, and now her strawberry blond hair reached to the middle of her back. “I only get my hair cut twice a year,” Ms. Eldridge said. “I get so excited about my appointments.” | She had made her appointment seven months earlier, and now her strawberry blond hair reached to the middle of her back. “I only get my hair cut twice a year,” Ms. Eldridge said. “I get so excited about my appointments.” |
| Ms. Eldridge has known Ms. Bodley for more than a decade, which removed any fears about coming. | Ms. Eldridge has known Ms. Bodley for more than a decade, which removed any fears about coming. |
| “I have total trust in Mindy, and not just for my hair,” she said. “I know she always has her customer’s safety in mind. She wouldn’t do anything to compromise her customers or her business.” | “I have total trust in Mindy, and not just for my hair,” she said. “I know she always has her customer’s safety in mind. She wouldn’t do anything to compromise her customers or her business.” |
| Soon after, Macall McFall, 26, arrived to get her long brown hair colored before her graduation from an occupational therapy program next week. | Soon after, Macall McFall, 26, arrived to get her long brown hair colored before her graduation from an occupational therapy program next week. |
| “We’re having a virtual graduation,” Ms. McFall said, with a note of disappointment. | “We’re having a virtual graduation,” Ms. McFall said, with a note of disappointment. |
| The Blush Beauty Bar customer experience, which can cost $150 or more, is all about pampering. But now there are no more glamour shots with special lighting; no more free beverages; no more chitchat as customers wait for hair dye to set. Then there are adjustments to the hair care itself. | The Blush Beauty Bar customer experience, which can cost $150 or more, is all about pampering. But now there are no more glamour shots with special lighting; no more free beverages; no more chitchat as customers wait for hair dye to set. Then there are adjustments to the hair care itself. |
| “I feel like I can’t see,” Ms. Bodley said as her mask rode up while cutting Ms. Eldridge’s hair. “It’s sort of important to my job.” | “I feel like I can’t see,” Ms. Bodley said as her mask rode up while cutting Ms. Eldridge’s hair. “It’s sort of important to my job.” |
| Ms. Herrera was frustrated by her gloves. | Ms. Herrera was frustrated by her gloves. |
| “I’m hoping it’s dry,” she said of Ms. McFall’s hair, which she was blasting with a dryer. “I can’t feel.” | “I’m hoping it’s dry,” she said of Ms. McFall’s hair, which she was blasting with a dryer. “I can’t feel.” |
| “I’m just happy to be here,” Ms. McFall said as she checked the new hue in the mirror. “I love it! It looks so good!” | “I’m just happy to be here,” Ms. McFall said as she checked the new hue in the mirror. “I love it! It looks so good!” |
| The customers and clients settled into a gentle rhythm. They shared their quarantine stories and updated one another on Netflix shows they had binge-watched at home: “Waco,” “Dance Moms” and “Tiger King,” of course. (There was broad consensus in the salon that Carole Baskin must have killed her previous husband.) | The customers and clients settled into a gentle rhythm. They shared their quarantine stories and updated one another on Netflix shows they had binge-watched at home: “Waco,” “Dance Moms” and “Tiger King,” of course. (There was broad consensus in the salon that Carole Baskin must have killed her previous husband.) |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| The salon is just off the city’s main drag; outside, few other businesses were open. “It’s a ghost town,” Ms. Bodley said. “I live on this street, and I’ve never had so much parking.” | The salon is just off the city’s main drag; outside, few other businesses were open. “It’s a ghost town,” Ms. Bodley said. “I live on this street, and I’ve never had so much parking.” |
| On March 18, when she learned the state was shutting down nonessential businesses, Ms. Bodley recalled squeezing in her best friend for one last appointment, closing up and locking the door, taking the salon’s last three rolls of toilet paper home with her. | On March 18, when she learned the state was shutting down nonessential businesses, Ms. Bodley recalled squeezing in her best friend for one last appointment, closing up and locking the door, taking the salon’s last three rolls of toilet paper home with her. |
| Ms. Bodley’s husband orders beer for a liquor store, which was deemed an essential industry in Colorado, so he continued to work. The dog supply store she owns next to the salon was able to shift to online sales. And she did receive a $2,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan. While the future as uncertain, Ms. Bodley is banking on hair salons staying “recession-proof.” | Ms. Bodley’s husband orders beer for a liquor store, which was deemed an essential industry in Colorado, so he continued to work. The dog supply store she owns next to the salon was able to shift to online sales. And she did receive a $2,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan. While the future as uncertain, Ms. Bodley is banking on hair salons staying “recession-proof.” |
| When her appointment was over, Ms. McFall stretched her arm as far as she could to hand Ms. Herrera her credit card at a proper distance. Ms. Herrera then disinfected the chair, the counter, the hand mirror and the plastic bin that had held Ms. McFall’s personal items. Previously, it would have seemed odd, almost insulting, to take such measures. Not anymore. | When her appointment was over, Ms. McFall stretched her arm as far as she could to hand Ms. Herrera her credit card at a proper distance. Ms. Herrera then disinfected the chair, the counter, the hand mirror and the plastic bin that had held Ms. McFall’s personal items. Previously, it would have seemed odd, almost insulting, to take such measures. Not anymore. |
| “This could be our new normal,” Ms. Herrera said. | “This could be our new normal,” Ms. Herrera said. |
| This article was produced in collaboration with Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent nonprofit news service of the Kaiser Family Foundation. The author is a reporter for Kaiser Health News. | This article was produced in collaboration with Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent nonprofit news service of the Kaiser Family Foundation. The author is a reporter for Kaiser Health News. |