The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved the gradual reopening of barbershops and salons beginning June 7.
In areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), barbershops and salons may be allowed to operate at up to 30% of capacity. This may go up to 50% operating capacity after two weeks, according to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
In areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), these establishments may operate at a 50% capacity and at 100% after three weeks.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has come up with the guidelines for the operations of barbershops and salons to ensure that social distancing and health protocols are followed.
“The earlier reopening was reconsidered by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) in recognition of the very strict health protocols that were developed. These guidelines must be closely adopted by these establishments in order to prevent any risk of COVID-19 transmission,” DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said in a statement.
He clarified that only basic haircut and hairstyling services are allowed under GCQ to shorten the time of service and allow faster turnover of customers.
Based on the guidelines issued by the DTI on May 29, 2020, the following must be placed at the entrance: floor mat or foot bath with disinfectant, thermal scanner, alcohol (that can be easily sprayed on the clients’ hands), health checklist, face shields (for clients who will avail themselves of shampoo services), and a system where personal items are disinfected and deposited in secured sanitary bags.
These health protocols must be followed:
Chairs must be distanced at least one meter apart on all sides;
Floor markings shall also be visible for the guidance of clients;
Proper ventilation must be in place;
Face masks must be readily available;
Sanitizing equipment and tools shall be visible to clients;
Workstations must be sterilized before and after each service;
Pieces of furniture that are made of porous materials shall be covered in plastic for ease of sanitation; and
There must be a strict use of disposable-only menus, reading materials, and magazines.
The guidelines also mandate that employees wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
A complete PPE set for barbershop and salon employees includes face mask, face shield, eyeglasses, gloves, hair caps, as well as closed shoes.
The guidelines also remind workers not to wear pieces of jewelry an to observe proper personal hygiene, enforce client-personnel interaction protocols, and practice frequent handwashing and sanitizing.
No personnel with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 patients shall be allowed to work.
Read the complete guidelines here.
“We are confident that barbershops and salons will be able to follow these strict yet reasonable guidelines in order to start bringing back jobs to an estimated 400,000 workers in over 35,000 shops,” Lopez said. (Ventures Cebu)
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