CT Changes Position On Use Of Blow Dryers After Concerns

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont's administration has changed its mind with regard to the use of blow dryers in hair salons and they will now be allowed. Originally, there was a ban on the use of hair dryers but that led to opposition by some.

Last week, Lamont said there was concern that the use of a blow dryer may contribute to the spread of particles but salon owners said it would be impossible to perform some of their services including coloring, styling and working with specific types of hair, NBC Connecticut reports.

Prior to the news that the Lamont administration changed its mind, a UConn Health infectious disease physician Dr. David Banach told Fox 61 that there was concern that blow dryers "propel a lot of force to these respiratory particles..."

But Department of Public Health board for cosmetology member Francine Austin also told Fox 61 that without the use of a hair dryer many salons couldn't reopen as “Blow drying is essential for African Americans, Latinos and other races and cultures as well who have curly hair."

Original story: CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has released documents detailing specific rules that eligible businesses falling under phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans must follow amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The first phase — which includes restaurants, offices, hair salons and barbershops, retail stores, and outdoor museums and zoos — is currently planned to take effect May 20.

The governor stressed that the decision to reopen during this phase rests with each individual business owner — they are not required to open if they do not choose, however if they do they must follow the rules as prescribed.

The protocols were developed by Lamont, members of his office, and the Department of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with legislators and recommendations made by the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, which consists of several of the state’s leading medical experts and representatives of several business and industry groups.

(Editor's Note: Click on the hyperlink which takes you directly to the state website which has pages and pages of information and photos on all of the requirements and changes each business needs to make if it chooses to open on May 20.)

• Hair Salons & Barbershops

In Phase 1, hair salons & barbershops will open at 50% capacity by appointment only, with waiting rooms closed. Services offered will be restricted to hairdressing and eyebrows, nothing that would require removal of a facemask (e.g., beard trimming, lip waxing, etc.).

>>>Click here to view all of the changes specific to hair salons and barbershops.

• Museums and Zoos (Outdoor Only)

In Phase 1, museums and zoos can open outdoor exhibits at up to 50 percent capacity.

>>>Click here to view all of the specific museum and zoo changes.

• Offices

In Phase 1, offices can open at up to 50% capacity. Employees should continue to work from home where possible.

>>>Click here to view all of the speficic office changes.

• Restaurants (Outdoor Only)

In Phase 1, restaurants can open outdoor at up to 50% capacity, no bars.

>>>Click here to view all of the specific restaurant changes.

• Retail & Malls

In Phase 1, Retail businesses and malls can open at up to 50% capacity.

All businesses subject to these rules will be required to self-certify prior to opening on May 20. The certification system will be online beginning next week.

>>>Click here to view all of the specific retail and mall changes.

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Task force formed to provide support to small businesses on these regulations

In tandem with the release of this guidance, DECD Commissioner David Lehman announced that his office is launching an ad hoc task force that will provide support to small businesses on how to implement these new regulations.

Lehman said, “We are grateful to these organizations who represent the voices of our communities and our small businesses for agreeing to work with DECD and AdvanceCT in a team effort to provide the best possible guidance and support to our small businesses. We share the goal of helping businesses across the state to reopen as quickly as possible, while adopting these new and necessary measures to keep our communities safe.”

The Reopen Connecticut Small Business Implementation Task Force will be chaired by Lyle Wray of the Capitol Region Council of Governments. Other members will include:

Cindy Bombard, Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce
Joe Brennan, Connecticut Business and Industry Association
Nancy Cowser, seCTer
Joe Ercolano, Small Business Development Center
Cathy Graves, New Haven Small Business Academy
David Griggs, MetroHartford Alliance
Kim Hawkins, HEDCO
Larry McHugh, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce
Patrick McMahon, CT Main Street
Julio Mendoza, Spanish American Merchant Association
Dan Onofrio, Bridgeport Regional Business Council
Fran Pastore, Women’s Business Development Council
Garrett Sheehan, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
Tony Sheridan, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
Lynn Ward, Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce