Barnstable Coronavirus: Salons, Barbershops Closed

BARNSTABLE, MA — The Board of Health has issued an emergency order closing all personal care businesses such as barbershops, hair salons and nail salons to help lessen the spread of the new coronavirus.

Town officials said all of these types of businesses must close by noon, Monday because the services offered require physical contact or sustained proximity of less than six feet.

Personal care businesses, include but are not limited to:

• Hairdressers and barbers
• Nail Salons
• Massage services
• Bodywork services
• Body art (tattoo and body piercing) services

This order does not apply to the following essential services:

• Services provided by a licensed healthcare provider, including but not limited to the practice of medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, mental health services, and veterinary services.
• Services provided by “exempt emergency child care programs” for the children of emergency workers.

Town officials said the emergency order will remain in effect until the Board of Health gives the order that a public emergency no longer exist.

The Board of Health also encouraged all retail establishments that do not sell essential commodities such as food, medicine or cleaning supplies to consider voluntarily closing until April 6. If businesses do stay open, the Board of Health said they should only if owners can assure customers will be able to maintain social distancing practices consistent with CDC guidelines.