NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Governor Bill Lee will allow the state's "Safer-at-Home" order to expire on April 30 with most businesses in 89 counties allowed to re-open on May 1. While the state prepares to re-open, some industries are asking what the change will look like for them.
State Representative Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis) talked with more than 20 employees in the beauty industry who want to get back to work.
Like many others businesses in the state, barbers and cosmetologists have been hit hard by the coronavirus. Barbershops and salons are closed, and many employees are still waiting on state assistance.
“In the event when things start opening up there have been some who said they wanted to go ahead and open up as soon as possible,” said Parkinson but on the other hand, “Some have said they’re going to force us to open up when don’t want to open up because this virus is still looming heavily in our communities.”
Parkinson is working with those in the beauty industry in drafting a letter to Governor Bill Lee, outlining what they want to see when the state re-opens. He says if businesses are going to open again while there’s no cure for COVID-19 there needs to be rules in place, and they're asking for a few changes to how hair care is treated in their places of business.
“No waiting rooms, five at time, six foot separation, mask, gloves and PPE to be put on at all times, appointment only and things of that nature,” said Parkinson.
Parkinson says the Governor needs to be having this conversation now with business owner so there isn’t the risk of another wave of COVID-19.
