Dr. Bonnie Henry very clear on closure of B.C. salons, grooming businesses: ‘This is not optional’

While everyone seems a little uncertain about what we should be doing or not doing to comply with provincial and national directives to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic, this one should be clear — salons and personal grooming services cannot follow guidelines and should be closed.

In yesterday's press conference with B.C.'s Health Minister Dr Bonnie Henry, a question was posed regarding nail and hair salons continuing to operate during the pandemic.

There was no hesitation in Dr. Henry's response.

"We are obviously watching this very carefully. This is not optional, this is for everybody. And we do have the legal authorities to enforce it," she said.

Many beauty salons have been closing their doors over the past few days, including Opus Salon Kelowna, First Choice Haircutters, Reverie Lash Studio Kelowna, Tommy Gunn and many others.

"It’s incredibly important right now that everybody take these measures," continued Dr Henry, referencing social distancing. "If you cannot do it in your business, you need to shut it down for now." 

She said they prefer to begin with verbal warnings and discussions to get compliance if any salons are still operating, they may face disciplinary repercussions. 

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