Hairdressers’ across the country will begin to open to the public again. Prior booking and the imposition of a limited number of people inside establishments are two of the rules that the sector will have to observe when, in May, they reopen their doors. The hairdressing sector is among those who should be able to start resuming activity gradually when the state of emergency, which was extended until 2 May, ends.
In a statement signed by the associations representing the personal care sector, sent to newsrooms this Friday, the president of the Portuguese Association of Barbers, Hairdressers and Beauty Institutes, Cristina Bento, says that a document of “sector commitment” was developed that includes a set of rules and recommendations essential for the reopening of establishments.
Among the measures outlined, which are being disseminated by members, includes the imposition of a limited number of people within each establishment, so that it is possible to comply with the indications of social distance that have been underlined by the health authority. In addition, access to the services will be made only by appointment, a solution that will help avoid concentrations of people beyond the limit number that must be observed, and customers and employees will be required to wear a mask and disposable gloves. Non-disposables will be sterilized.
Cited in the statement, Cristina Bento mentions the impact that the services provided by this sector have on the Portuguese people's self-esteem/image and, although she underlines the need to resume economic activity, she says that the associations intend to do it “gradually, with professionalism and care”, following the instructions of the competent health authorities, having already sent a letter to the Government stating its intentions.
According to the Portuguese Association of Barbers, Hairdressers and Beauty Institutes, there are more than 38 thousand hair salons and beauty institutes, which employ more than 50 thousand people throughout Portugal.
