Because the situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, some information may not be up to date. Stay informed by following information from your local officials and by visiting the CDC website.
In an executive order issued on May 6, Texas Governor Greg Abbott expanded the openings of several businesses and activities to further restart the economy during the pandemic. As part of this most recent order, gyms and salons are allowed to open as early as May 18th. But did you know these businesses have to abide by certain stipulations to ensure they are operating safely?
Under the governor’s order, “salons” includes barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, and tanning salons. Depending on the type of salon, different precautions may be needed to keep employees and patrons safe. In general, here’s what you can expect:
Abbot recommends that salons use an appointment system to limit the number of customers in their store at one time.
If they do accept walk-ins, those customers should wait outside or only wait inside if there is enough space to practice social distancing.
All stylist stations should be 6 feet apart.
Both stylists and customers are strongly recommended to wear masks.
As with salons, there’s a lot of variety with gyms, including traditional gyms as well as yoga and pilates studios, spinning classes, or dance academies. Here’s how the guidelines affect these businesses:
Gyms must limit their capacity and keep their showers and locker rooms closed, although restrooms can remain open.
All equipment must be disinfected after each use.
Customers should wear gloves that cover the entire hands, including the fingers.
All customers should maintain social distancing.
If customers bring their own equipment, such as a yoga mat, it should be disinfected before and after each use.
While these businesses are now open, if you are immunocompromised, elderly, or just more comfortable maintaining greater social distance by staying at home, you can continue working out virtually using some of the resources you may have become accustomed to since March. Take a walk or a run in a low-populated area, or you can try some of our Run Club resources, a way to stay in shape and keep up a running routine from home. These businesses will be ready to welcome you when you feel safe to get back to normal life.
In the meantime, trust that you don’t have to put your healthcare on hold during this time. Our facilities are open to the community and ready to provide safe, expert care for those who need it. No matter what comes our way, you can count on the team at St. Joseph Health. We are here, always.
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