By Charlotte Smith
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order in March officially ordering barber shops, salons and massage therapists to close due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Next week will be a full month since stylists, barbers, massage therapists, and other personal care workers have been able to work.
Although April 30th ends the current Stay-at-Home order restricting these types of businesses, many are hoping something will change sooner rather than later.
The self-employed have testified the unemployment funding has not been available. Plus, none of the business owners in Bladen County have announced receiving any of the Paycheck Protection Program funding.
Al Lewis with Headquarters Barber Styling at 156 S. Poplar Street in Elizabethtown said he has been in business for over 30 years and has never seen anything like this. He has and his stylist have been unable to receive any funding or assistance.
Joseph D. Kinlaw, owner of Joseph D. Salon explained it is his understanding that the self-employed may be able to apply by the end of the month, and should receive back-payment.
If a stylist is caught performing hairstyling services at home, on someone other than a close relative, it’s a $2,500 fine. If they get caught offering their services in their place of business they could be fined $10,000 and face the possibility of losing their license, according to Kinlaw.
Ray Britt, Chairman of Bladen County Board of County Commissioners and the small business owner explained the importance of remembering safety precautions and reopening.
He also address the funding issue. He stated, “It’s my understanding they have already liquidated the funds of the PPP account at this time. Hoping our politicians will put aside their difference and talk about aid for our people and strictly use the coronavirus as the case and not attaching other things with it.
He added, “Give the people the money without any of those stipulations!”
Some news outlets reported the state board may allow salons and barbershops to open on May 1, 2020. Stephaine Kuzdrall with the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts explained the board does not have the authority to allow the salons and barbershops to re-open. “Our office doesn’t make that decision. It is up to the governor, local government officials and health departments. However, the governor’s order for the shops to be closed ends on April 30th,” Kuzdrall stated.
“So it may be possible for those businesses to reopen on May 1st, but that his not our decision,” She added.
Joy Everette with New Attitudes Salon said, “I’m not really sure how it will start back. I’m sure each stylist will only work on one client at a time. We were already sanitizer everything after each client we literally followed where each client went while in the salon from the front door shampoo dryers bathroom station and chairs desk and outside the door.
She added, “Our stylists are pretty much 6 feet apart, but we might move around with that too I’ll follow whatever is suggested.”
Judith Brogdon, owner of Elizabethtown Massage R & R said, “Carrie and I both feel it is important to make sure that we keep our clients safe at all times. We are planning to do a deep clean of our rooms and lobby as well as bathrooms.”
She continued, “We will have to plan space between clients to make sure they don’t cross paths and enough time to disinfect the room between clients. We are looking forward to going back to work but we also want the health of our clients to come first. I’m hopeful that we get back to the routine we had before we closed but this may take time. I’m really looking forward to seeing all my clients. I have truly missed working.”
The representatives in this article are only some of the many businesses in Bladen County struggling with this economic health impact caused by COVID-19. As of 3 p.m. today, Governor Roy Cooper has not lifted the executive order. The current order requiring the temporary closure of personal care businesses will end on April 30, 2020, and businesses may reopen on May 1, 2020.
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