Hair and nail salons can opt to open May 8 with conditions
Special to The Highlander
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on May 5 authorized the reopening of hair and nail salons, barber shops and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade.
Such establishments may reopen on Friday, May 8 under certain safety restrictions. Establishments must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations. Tanning salons may also reopen under the same limitation.
Governor Abbott recommended that salon and barber shop owners see customers on an appointment basis and encourage customers to wear facemasks.
Also starting May 8, public swimming pools may open subject to the 25% occupancy guidelines.
Parks, beaches, rivers and lakes remain open. Individuals are requested to follow the following health protocols:
• Maintain at least six feet separation from others not within the individual’s group. The individual’s group may not exceed the greater of the individual’s household or up to five individuals. If distancing is not feasible, face coverings, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
• Wash or disinfect hands after any interaction with employees, other customers, or items in the park, beach, river or lake.
• Consider wearing cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth) when within 6 feet of another person who is not a member of the individual’s group. The individual’s group may not exceed the greater of the individual’s household or up to five individuals who arrived at the park, beach, river or lake together. Individuals should consider wearing non- medical grade face masks; however, face coverings may not be feasible while in the water.
Funerals and weddings will be allowed under the same 25% occupancy guidelines as churches if held indoors. The occupancy requirement does not apply to outdoor venues.
Beginning May 18, gyms, exercise facilities, and exercise classes may open, but must operate at 25% occupancy. Locker rooms and shower facilities must remain closed; however, restrooms may open. Equipment will need to be disinfected before and after use. Customers are required to wear gloves and maintain social distancing.
Office buildings may open with the greater of five or less individuals or 25% of the total office workforce on May 18. Individuals must maintain appropriate social distancing. Staggered workflow is recommended so employees are not all working at once.
No date has been set for reopening bars.
The city of Marble Falls public information officer Christina McDonald submitted this report for publication. Find local reactions and comprehensive news coverage regarding stories like this in The Highlander, the newspaper of record for the Highland Lakes. To offer a comment or news tip, email lew@highlandernews.com.
