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Roundup: DeSantis in the salon, Kriseman in the streets, PIE in the sky
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said at least a couple of times in the last few days that he hasn’t had a haircut in weeks because of the business shutdowns during the Covid-19 crisis.
He still didn’t get a trim when he stopped in at OhSoooJazzy Hair Salon in Orlando Saturday morning, but he did get an earful from hair salon and barbershop owners who said they have the protocols in place to reopen safely.
Personal services, including salons, remain closed under the first phase of DeSantis’ plan to gradually reopen the Florida economy.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings invited DeSantis to talk about the issue, and the governor seemed open to making a change after a 30-minute conversation with several salon owners.
“It’s not a matter of if, it’s just a matter of when, with the salons. We want to be very judicious, we want to consult with medical folks and make sure that safety is first, but no one is going to care more about safety than the people who own these places. It’s very important for you, it’s in your interest to do it, and I’m confident that a lot of you guys will do the right thing,” DeSantis said. “You have my commitment to work to get there.”
Several Twitter posters observed that even while talking about safety — including stylists wearing masks and providing them to customers — none of the participants at the meeting wore masks.
With restaurants set to reopen in a limited way on Monday, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman is floating an idea that could give them the opportunity to serve more people.
Although indoor dining will be limited to 25 percent seating capacity, there’s no capacity limit on outdoor dining as long as tables are six feet apart, so Kriseman is exploring expanding outdoor dining to the streets by shutting down Central Avenue and Beach Drive.
Anthony we’re looking at something like this. Have spoken to restaurants. Not all love it, but we’re exploring.
— Rick Kriseman (@Kriseman) May 2, 2020
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) continues modified operations following the federal and state safety guidance.
Over the last several weeks, PIE has implemented numerous safety and sanitization measures while planning for our longer-term recovery, a spokeswoman for the airport said.
The airport’s action plan includes floor decals six feet apart for passengers in line at TSA security checkpoints and ticket counters. Airport employees will wear face coverings; terminal tenants are expected to do so and passengers are encouraged to cover their faces.
Concessions are open for departing passengers for grab and go food, beverages, news and gifts. Pre-security concessions are currently closed. Economy parking lots are closed, but long-term parking is open as is the cell phone lot.
Sun Country and Sunwing Airlines have temporarily suspended operations at PIE. Allegiant is operating at the airport, but ticket counters are open only when there is a flight.
J Kley
May 3, 2020at1:09 pm
I’ll visit a barbershop when
1. All employees are tested every few days for the virus
2. I can sit and wait outside, not inside
3. The shop leaves the doors open and a fan on to mix in outside air. Barbershops are not required to introduce outside air into their ventilation systems (AC), and there is sufficient evidence that the virus can spread through unmixed (no dilution with OA) air currents
What % risk exposure will YOU accept to get COVid 19,; 5%,? 10%? What will you risk knowing that you would infect others? Realizing that this might incubate in you for 2 weeks, capable of being transmitted, before you show symptoms?
I won’t enter a barbershop, restaurant, etc until I know there is an effective , science based and epidemiologist approved plan in place to manage risk.
S. Rose Smith-Hayes
May 2, 2020at3:50 pm
I really wish those gentleman had worn masks. It would be helpful if Salons would register guest also in case a customer comes down with the virus, they will know who was in the shop the day that customer was there. Masks are good and also those covers used for barbershop customers and salon customer must be washed after each use. Barber or hairdresser would have to change their apron/cover after each customer. It is a lot to be considered and worked out. Masks are not enough.