As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, businesses of all kinds have had to adapt and implement new safety measures to protect their customers and employees. This is especially true for salons in Buffalo, NY, where close contact and shared spaces are a regular part of the experience.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Salons in Buffalo, NY
The beauty industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with many salons being forced to close their doors for extended periods of time. In Buffalo, NY, salons were among the businesses that were allowed to reopen in Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan, which began on June 2nd, 2020. However, reopening did not mean a return to business as usual. In order to ensure the safety of both clients and staff, salons in Buffalo, NY have had to implement strict sanitation protocols in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health.The Importance of Sanitation Protocols
Salons are considered high-risk environments for the spread of COVID-19 due to the close proximity between clients and stylists, as well as the use of shared tools and equipment.This makes it crucial for salons to have strict sanitation protocols in place to prevent the spread of the virus. According to the CDC, COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. This is why wearing masks and maintaining social distancing are important measures in preventing the spread of the virus. However, in a salon setting, it is not always possible to maintain a distance of six feet between clients and stylists. This is where sanitation protocols come into play, as they help to reduce the risk of transmission by ensuring that all surfaces and tools are properly cleaned and disinfected between clients.
Sanitation Protocols at Salons in Buffalo, NY
The specific sanitation protocols at salons in Buffalo, NY may vary slightly from one establishment to another, but they all follow the same basic guidelines set forth by the CDC and the New York State Department of Health.These protocols include:
- Wearing masks: Both clients and staff are required to wear masks at all times while inside the salon. This helps to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets and protects both parties.
- Temperature checks: Many salons in Buffalo, NY are conducting temperature checks on both clients and staff before allowing them to enter the premises. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher is not allowed inside.
- Social distancing: Salons are required to limit the number of people inside at any given time to ensure that social distancing can be maintained. This may mean that clients have to wait outside until their appointment time or that fewer appointments are scheduled throughout the day.
- Frequent hand washing and sanitizing: Both clients and staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible.
Hand sanitizer should also be available throughout the salon for easy access.
- Cleaning and disinfecting: All surfaces, tools, and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between clients. This includes chairs, workstations, sinks, and any tools that come into contact with clients, such as scissors and combs.
- No shared items: Salons are advised to avoid the use of shared items, such as magazines and communal product testers. This helps to reduce the risk of transmission through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Additional Safety Measures
In addition to the sanitation protocols mentioned above, many salons in Buffalo, NY have implemented additional safety measures to further protect their clients and staff. These may include:- Appointment-only: Some salons are operating on an appointment-only basis to limit the number of people inside at any given time.
- Reduced capacity: Salons are required to operate at reduced capacity to ensure that social distancing can be maintained.
- No waiting areas: To avoid overcrowding, many salons have eliminated waiting areas and ask clients to wait outside until their appointment time.
- Cashless payments: Many salons are encouraging clients to pay with credit or debit cards instead of cash to reduce the risk of transmission through physical contact.
- Health screenings for staff: Some salons are conducting daily health screenings for their staff, including temperature checks and symptom checks.
The Importance of Compliance
While these sanitation protocols may seem like a lot to keep track of, they are crucial in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.It is important for both clients and staff to comply with these protocols in order to protect themselves and others. If you are planning on visiting a salon in Buffalo, NY during the pandemic, it is important to do your research and choose a salon that is following all necessary sanitation protocols. This will not only ensure your safety, but also support businesses that are taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
