After three months of lockdown, the Maharashtra Government has decided to allow barber shops, salons, beauty parlors to operate from the 28th of this month under the Mission Begin Again Phase IV.
The State Government made it clear for the operators that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down must be followed strictly. “Barbershops, salons, and beauty parlors with restricted entry with prior appointment only. Only select services such as haircut, dying hair, and threading, etc are allowed. Skin related services will not be allowed presently. These instructions must be prominently displayed in the shops,” stated in the order from the state government.
The order also said the salons must follow the procedures of maintaining hygiene and cleanliness. The Standard Operating Procedures also directed the employees must wear protective gear including masks, apron, and gloves. “All working places must be sanitized after every service. All common areas and floors must be sanitized after every two hours,” added the order.
The lockdown was extended till June 30, 2020, after May 31, 2020. On the 31st of May, the first Mission Begin Again directives were circulated by the state government. This was to carry out in different phases, based on the probability of the risk factor involved. The salons, barbershop, and beauty parlor services were kept on hold considering the high risk of community spread, as it is not possible to keep social distance norms during these services.