The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has inspected barbershops and salons to reiterate the implementation of health protocols before being permitted to open.
Stricter health protocols will be implemented in the said establishments starting June 7. Customers need to step into a footbath, pass through thermal scanning and disinfect using alcohol before proceeding to get haircut. A form must also be filled out to facilitate contact tracing in the establishment in case a person has tested positive for the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The number of customers will also be limited due to the 30 percent operating capacity allowed by authorities and to ensure physical distancing.
Employees of the said establishments are equipped with full PPEs and their kits must be sterilized or changed per customer.
The DTI reminds that only haircuts are allowed in salons and barbershops. However, several owners have asked to allow other services so they can earn better.
“For now gupit muna kasi iyon ‘yung extremely essential for most of us. ‘Yung mga other aesthetic services kagaya ng hair color, treatment, wax, hindi pa muna. Hanggang masanay na ang mga salons at mga customers sa bagong protocol in the “New Normal” and we’ll see later on when we can expand the services (Only haircut is allowed for now because it is extremely essential for most of us. Other aesthetic services such as hair color, treatment, wax are not yet allowed. Until the salons and customers get used to the new protocol in the “New Normal”, we’ll see later on when we can expand the services),” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo pointed out.
Meanwhile, the DTI admitted it has no control over the price increase of barbershops and salons, but the agency urges the establishments to increase the price fairly because the “Bayanihan” spirit must be present in this time of crisis. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
