New Jersey

Get a Haircut, Take a Dip: NJ Reopens Barbershops, Salons and Pools Amid Coronavirus

Safety measures are in place as personal care businesses and pools reopen in New Jersey Monday

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Screenings, masks, appointments, capacity limits and social-distancing are just some of the guidance New Jersey salon, barbershop, tattoo parlor operators and others must adhere to as they reopen Monday.

Attorney General Gurbir Grewal released guidance last week for reopening of personal care businesses after being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. An executive order signed by Gov. Phil Murphy allowed the personal care facilities to reopen.

Customers could see a different configuration at their favorite hair place, nail salon, electrology office, spa, tattoo parlor or tanning salon when they return for a post-quarantine treatment.

"As personal care services resume, it’s important that businesses and professionals offering these services — as well as their clients — take precautions to diminish the risk of infection," Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said last week.

Hairstyling, cosmetology, massage and bodywork facilities must screen customers and staff for COVID-19 symptoms, must do business by appointment only, limit people within a facility, space out appointments, remove magazines and make other changes to operate, the AG’s office said.

"Taking steps to reconfigure the space within the business to ensure at least 6 feet of distance between individuals wherever possible and implementing adaptations to the space with physical barriers, signs, tape or floor markers to facilitate social distancing," the AG's guidelines said.

Enhanced cleaning procedures must also be done as part of the safeguards. Facilities might also be asked to assist with contact tracing.

Pools reopened in New Jersey with new restrictions and other changes in place amid the coronavirus pandemic. NBC10’s Ted Greenberg spoke to people who returned to the water.

On Monday, outdoor swim clubs and pools can reopen. Social-distancing guidelines will be in place and pools must limit capacity on the grounds to 50%. Equipment like kickboards and pool noodles can't be shared.

Also Monday, more non-contact organized sports could resume and campgrounds at state parks and forests reopened.

Murphy has announced the phased reopening of businesses as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have slowed down over the past several weeks.

As expected on Monday, the restriction on outdoor gatherings increased to 250 people. Indoor gatherings are capped at 100 people or 25% capacity, whichever is lower.

As of Monday, New Jersey had more than 169,000 coronavirus cases and 12,895 people had died from COVID-19 complications.

Murphy on Monday said his state was in the middle of reopening Stage 2 of three. He has not said when the third and final stage would begin.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness or death.

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