Planning To Reopen - Phase 3, Close Contact Personal Services

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

As we continue to execute Phase 3 of Governor Charlie Baker's administration's plan to reopen the state of Massachusetts for business it is paramount that we remain steadfast in our resolve to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 when and wherever possible. The following outlines the workplace safety standards pertaining to social distancing and hygiene protocols for Close Contact Personal Services Businesses.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Barber Shops and Hair Salons, originally authorized to open in Phase 1 of the Re-Opening Plan, are now subject to these workplace safety standards for Close Contact Personal Services. Also, Personal Trainers have their own category of guidelines to follow.

Close Contact Personal Services are defined as any personal service typically delivered through close physical contact with the customer, including but not limited to:

1. hair salons and barber shops; as permitted to open in Phase 1 of the Re-Opening Plan 
2. hair removal services; including laser services, depilatory salons, waxing services, threading, and electrolysis services 
3. massage, body treatments, eastern treatment, energy therapies and other body work therapies
4. skin care services; including peels, facials, serums, Botox and filler 
5. nail care services; including nail salons
6. other hair services; including hair replacement services, scalp treating services 
7. makeup salons
8. makeup application services
9. tanning salons; including other businesses that provide spray tanning and tanning beds;
10. tattoo, piercing, and body art services Indoor and outdoor event spaces

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

These standards are minimum requirements only and are not exclusive or exhaustive. The public health data for disease prevention upon which these guidelines are based can and does change frequently, it is the responsibility of each Close Contact Personal Service Business owner to stay abreast of any updates to these requirements.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, Mass EEA and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

Social Distancing

It is the responsibility of approved close contact personal services business owners and staff to adhere to the following at all times:

1. Ensure separation of 6 feet or more between individuals where possible: 
   1. Close or reconfigure common spaces and high density areas where workers and patrons are likely to congregate (e.g., break rooms and eating areas for workers; lobbies and workstations for customers) to allow social distancing
   2. Arrange workstations so work areas are spaced out at least 6 feet apart
   3. Physical partitions must separate workstations that cannot be spaced out (partitions must be at least 6 feet in height) 
   4. Install physical barriers for checkout stations where possible, otherwise maintain 6 feet distance where not possible
   5. Install visual social distancing markers to encourage customers to remain 6 feet apart (e.g., checkout lines, lines to use the restroom)
   6. Mark rooms and hallways to indicate 6 feet separation 
2. Stagger lunch and break times for workers, regulate the maximum number of people in one place, and ensure at least 6 feet of physical distancing 
3. Require face coverings for all customers and workers, except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability
4. Establish directional pathways to manage visitor flow for foot traffic, to minimize contact (e.g., one-way entrance and exit to rooms, one-way pathways)
5. Post clearly visible signage regarding these policies
6. Require workers to wear gloves, gowns or smocks, and prescription glasses, safety glasses or goggles
7. Contactless payment methods are encouraged
8. Encourage curbside pickup or delivery of any retail items purchased by customers not already on the premises for a service appointment, and follow the Retail Business guidance for customers seeking retail purchases instead of or in addition to personal services
9. No guests should accompany the customer during the personal service except for persons serving as caretakers or guardians
10. Caretakers or guardians should observe all other requirements of customers, including wearing a face covering and maintaining 6 feet of separation from other persons present

Hygiene Protocols 

It is the responsibility of approved close contact personal services business owners and staff to adhere to the following at all times:

1. Ensure access to handwashing facilities on site, including soap and running water, and allow enough break time for workers to wash hands frequently; alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol may be used as an alternative
2. Supply workers at workplace location with adequate cleaning products (e.g., sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, disinfectant)
3. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol should be made available at entrances and throughout floor areas for both workers and customers
4. Require glove changes and handwashing before and after each customer
5. Do not permit sharing of tools and supplies between workers (e.g., clippers, spacers, brushes, needles, etc.)
6. All tools must be cleaned between each customer
7. Workers should change into a clean smock or gown between each customer
8. Consider using disposable capes and smocks
9. Reusable capes, towels, gowns should be laundered between each use
10. Post visible signage throughout the site to remind workers and customers of hygiene and safety protocols

Additional Link;

Close Contact Personal Care Business MA COVID-19 Checklist

While the administration continues to work with communities to implement best practices and protocols we will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, EPA, FDA, Mass EEA and OSHA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Norwood/West Roxbury know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Norwood/West Roxbury are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Norwood/West Roxbury today for a free consultation - (781) 796-9125.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Norwood / West Roxbury want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!