Coronavirus. COVID-19. 2019 Novel Coronavirus. No matter what you call it, the virus has caused such a frenzy. Cases continue to pop up throughout the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are expanding their efforts to contain the virus. Although our industry already takes great strides daily when it comes to sanitation and disease control, the ShearShare team is sharing several coronavirus prevention tips that can further protect your business and you:
1. Substitute a handshake with a fist bump when saying hello. Or even try an elbow dap. Here’s a third option that’s as practical as it is comical:
2. Remember when sanitizing your tools, give extra care. Do not place clean tools next to tools that have been used on a previous client. Think combs, clippers, shears, hair clips, razors, brushes, attachments, etc. Thoroughly sanitize your chair after each client–arm rests, head rest, seat, and back.
3. If you are coughing, you should wear a face mask when you are going to be around other people. Many doc-in-the-box or urgent care clinics offer complimentary disposable masks if you call ahead. Any m
ask helps prevent other people from getting sprayed; don’t worry about a fancy one.
4. Be mindful about what you are touching. Coughing into your hand and then pushing down to get into an elevator or opening a door is not helpful. Instead, use the edge of your phone, your scarf, or your sleeve.
5. Offer hand sanitation stations at each chair or suite so that stylists and clients can use at will and liberally. Remember, you will be touching credit cards and cash throughout the day. Sanitize early and often.
6. Wash your hands often. After you wash your hands with soap and water (of course), use disposable paper towels to clean up. Don’t use the blowers — especially not the ones that blow up and into the air.
7. Clorox and Lysol wipes may help to keep the coronavirus off surfaces, so stock up! Place these antibacterial wipes in your salon or barbershop bathroom so that clients can wipe hard, non-porous surfaces (aka, the toilet seat) in confidence. (BTW, it’s a well-known fact that clients love to see antibacterial wipes in the bathroom.)
8. Protect yourself, protect your business. It’s ok to put a sign on the door that speaks directly to recent events. Say, “Hey! Help us help each other. If you’re feeling ill or have a cough, please do us a favor and reschedule your appointment. We’ll work to accommodate you when you’re feeling better and won’t love you any less. Thanks!”
9. Lastly, if you’ve booked an upcoming ShearShare stay and are starting to feel coronavirus symptoms, be sure to reach out to our team at hello [at] www.shearshare.com to request a reschedule. We’ll work directly with your amazing ShearShare host to make that special accommodation.
For those who want more detailed information, some good sites are:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.nejm.org/coronavirus http://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/resources/COVID-19/ https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance
Special thanks to Jasmin on our team (who used to be a registered nurse!) and to our ShearShare investors that provided additional best practices from medical experts. Experts like Ron (aka, the Ebola Czar) who is a frequent commentator on effective policy and preparatory measures to combat regional epidemics and pandemic threats and Dr. Uri, who specialized in infectious diseases at the US National Institutes of Health.
