TEMPLE, Texas — It has been more than a month since Gov. Greg Abbott ordered nail salons, hair salons and barber shops to shut down to slow the spread of the coronavirus throughout the state.
On Tuesday, Abbott announced these businesses would be able to reopen on Friday, May 8 with additional precautions. These rules require establishments to have customers wait outside of the building to ensure proper social distancing measures and to have all service chairs six feet apart. Additionally, staff members must wear gloves and masks at all times and have routine temperature checks.
While it is impossible for nail technicians and barbers to practice social distancing from their customers, Abbott has stressed the importance of these guidelines.
When this announcement was made on Tuesday, one Central Texas salon owner was flooded with calls as customers could not wait to be pampered.
"It was extreme craziness," Brittany Parker, hair stylist and owner of Emerald Salon and Spa in Temple, said. "From the time the Governor announced it until about 11 o'clock that night, my phone was blowing up. I am completely booked for the next month."
Many places are taking appointments only to ensure their is no over-crowding.
"We are not having anyone wait we are only taking people who make an appointment," Jamie Gonzalez, barber and owner of Ace of Fades in Temple, said. "We have no time for walk-ins."
While many salon owners were eager to get to work, several are not exactly comfortable at this time.
"I obviously had some thoughts about making sure we take the proper precautions," Parker said. "But I didn't really hesitate. I was ready to go and I took all the appointments."
Gonzalez feels that the opening came early.
"Personally I think its too soon," said Gonzalez. "I mean my finances aren't going to pay themselves, so I have no choice but to work. Not that it's a bad thing, I just think its too soon in my opinion."
If you are interested in getting any services done, call ahead to see if your salon or barber is open. While many are open, several remain closed due to personal preference or because owners need time to prepare their establishments to adhere to new guidelines.
Also on KCENTV.com
- Central Texans share mixed feelings about Dallas salon owner's defiance, release from jail
- Trump praises Gov. Abbott as states roll back limits
- Here is the reopening timeline for parks, libraries and other facilities in Waco.
- Texas barbershops, salons may reopen May 8; gyms reopen May 18, Gov. Abbott says
- Central Texas COVID-19 Live Updates | Texas salons to open May 8, gyms open May 18
