Mamawest: Maidstone hairdresser says salons, barber shops must open
Melbourne’s hairdressers and barber shops are pushing to be allowed to reopen after October 19, with thousands jumping on board their campaign as a western suburb salon owner says it makes no sense to keep businesses closed with low case numbers.
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Hairdressers are begging to be allowed to reopen after Sunday to care for Melburnians’ neglected tresses and overgrown beards.
More than 4000 people had signed an online petition by the Australian Hair Salon Owners Association as of Wednesday afternoon calling for an end to the State Government’s forced closure of salons and barber shops.
Maidstone hairdresser Sheridan Rose Shaw said enough was enough and businesses like her salon, Mamawest, had to get back to work.
“We were already safely working the whole entire first lockdown and there were no hair salon outbreaks,” Ms Shaw said.
“I have no doubt about it with all the Covid safe plans we would absolutely be able to trade safely.”
Ms Shaw said she, like many salon owners, initially accepted the necessity of closing down to halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus when Melbourne moved to Stage 4 lockdown in August.
But now infections had reduced she said there was no reason for salons to remain closed.
She also called for more clarity on the opening date so business owners could prepare.
“Being able to plan ahead with 100 people on your waitlist is really difficult without a date,” Ms Shaw said.
Covid safe steps the hairdresser’s association proposes include limiting the number of people in the salon at any one time to one person per 4sq m including staff.
Each chair, basin, and all equipment including combs, scissors and towels would be sanitised after every client.
Masks would also be worn at all times by clients and staff and the front desk, work surfaces, toilet and door handles would be cleaned daily, according to the petition.
“The contamination rate of hairdressers and barbers world wide for COVID-19 is minimal,” the petition states.
“We are safer than the supermarket for social distancing, we already take contact details from our clients and our hygiene practices have always been intense due to the nature of our jobs.
“How you look is a major factor in how you feel and in a time where people’s emotions are low, looking in the mirror and feeling good can help abundantly.”
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