Hair, nail salons prepare to open when the counties they’re in move to green phase

Hair and nail salons in Pennsylvania are preparing to open when the county they are in moves to the green phase.

Salon owners have expressed their frustrations that they still don’t know when they’ll be able to open their doors.

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At Geno Levi Salon in McMurray, phones are still constantly ringing, but they are closed until the county gets the green designation.

The staff is social distancing as they practice cutting hair.

Owner Geno Levi is preparing to open with major new precautions.

“Our commitment to safety and wellness, we will have these all around — social distance, face coverings,” Levi said.

Levi said in the short term, there won’t be blow-drying, which could spread the virus. They will use plastic capes, do temperature checks and keep the waiting room empty while customers wait in their cars.

In Canonsburg at Kay's Beauty Bar, there is more uncertainty. Owner Kalynn Hannah has a brand-new building but hasn't found any clear answers on when nail salons can open or what guidelines she will need to implement.

“I just went above and beyond. I bought the plexiglass shields, face shields, face masks, gloves, sterilizers, sanitizers. So, if we get the green light, we have everything to go,” Hannah said.

We reached out to the health department for more clarification. Spokesperson Nate Wardle told Channel 11 when counties go green, hair salons, barbershops and nail salons must:

• Operate by appointment only.
• Strongly encourage appointments or reservations for gyms or spas.
• Strictly adhere to safety requirements.
• Enforce social distancing requirements, which may limit occupancy below the 50% maximum capacity.
• Without any specific guidance, Hannah also plans to have her team use gloves when doing customers’ nails.

“Nobody really knows. Everything has a huge question mark on it right now,” Hannah said.

Eighteen Pennsylvania counties will move into the green phase Friday, including Lawrence, Clarion, Venango and Forest.

What you can expect when Pennsylvania counties move to green phase What you can expect when Pennsylvania counties move to green phase

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