PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Hair salons, barber shops and nail salons are now allowed to reopen around Tampa Bay with several guidelines to follow.
You have to make an appointment and no walk-ins are permitted.
And once you arrive, you should wait outside until it’s your turn.
The guidelines are part of the executive order issued by Governor Ron Desantis as efforts are made to control the spread of COVID-19, while at the same time allowing salons to do much-needed business.
In Palm Harbor, Salon Solei is back open after almost two months with their doors closed.
Owner Marissa Insolia says her landlord worked with her on the rent, and she’s hopeful she’ll still get a federal grant. But as she waits, she’s welcoming back customers and following all the rules like wearing masks, taking temperatures and spacing chairs apart.
“We’ve always been a clean salon anyway. It’s now just making it more known to everyone all the things we are doing to stay clean," said Insolia.
“My first day out of the house in 60 days, 70 days. I was in Spain. I was quarantined so I’ve been even longer in the house than anyone and this is the first place I came. 10 a.m. right when they opened," said customer Elizabeth Pekin.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is encouraging salons to take further precautions, including cleaning and disinfecting all the surfaces and equipment.
Hands of Praise in New Port Richey salon has been open for almost 24 years. Several of its regular customers returned Monday to get their nails and hair done.
The owner says they took the time when they had to close to sanitize everything in the shop, and they were ready to reopen as soon as the Governor gave the order.
“Our staff, while they all had a little bit of a tough time, everybody made it. We offered extra help. We offered anything they needed. Gas money. Food money. Whatever it might be. But honestly, everybody was in pretty good shape," said Joann Diblasio.
