Salons, spas and barbershops will remain until after May 29, Gov. Bill Lee ordered Tuesday through Executive Order No. 30.
These close-contact businesses – along with gyms, fitness centers, tattoo shops and massage therapy establishments – were closed on March 22 after an emergency declaration on the local and state levels.
During a virtual town hall call hosted by Senator Paul Rose Tuesday afternoon, experts said though they’re sympathetic to struggling businesses, it is important to re-open the economy slowly for the safety of the public.
Many salon, barbershop and nail salon owners are growing frustrated this week while the first phase of re-opening allows restaurants, retail businesses and gyms to re-open.
During the town hall, a salon owner asked Rose if there was anything she could do in the meantime to prepare.
Members of the state’s Economic Recovery Group said while they have received guidelines which will be recommended for these businesses, they have not yet been approved.
“I encourage you to hang on, we’ll get opened back up,” Rose said.
What else is still closed?
The cosmetology and body art industries are not the only ones remained closed under Executive Order 30.
Gathering in groups of more than 10 people remains prohibited, which includes festivals, fairs, parades, youth and adult sporting events and summer youth camps.
And while the state doesn’t consider religious gatherings, weddings or funerals social gatherings, it is recommended in-person services be conducted safely. It’s been encouraged that worship services be conducted virtually and ceremonies be postponed or attended by close family members only.
Nursing homes, retirement and rehabilitative centers, long-term care facilities and other similar facilities are closed to visitors.
Additionally, entertainment venues like bars, night clubs, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, concert venues, sporting event venues, theaters, race tracks, indoor play areas, adult entertainment venues, amusement parks, senior centers and skating rinks will also remain closed.
You can still pick up alcoholic drinks with your food orders
Though restaurants can re-open at 50 percent capacity, most dining rooms in Tipton County remained closed. The governor’s office has allowed for take-out alcohol sales to continue (with the purchase of food) while restaurant services remain limited.
Safe practices continue to be encouraged
First and foremost, Tennesseans are asked to wear cotton, cloth face coverings or medical masks in public.
Lee continues to encourage social distancing, practicing good hygiene, staying home if you’re feeling ill, working from home whenever possible, avoiding discretionary travel and social distancing and avoiding visiting and having close contact with someone in a vulnerable population.
It’s suggested Tennesseans returning to the workplace do so safely. Employers are encouraged to practice appropriate policies and practices to help facilitate social distancing, temperature checks, sanitation and disinfection of common spaces. It’s requested employers monitor employees for symptoms and prohibiting employees with symptoms from returning to work until cleared by a doctor.
Lee reminds residents the threat is still very serious and suggests Tennesseans stay home whenever possible, limiting unnecessary activity and minimizing in-person contact.
“All persons have a civic responsibility to protect themselves and their communities by following the health guidelines to the greatest extent practicable when outside their homes,” he said.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
