Alexander De Croo (Open Vld), Frank Vandenbroucke (Forward) – Isopix
–
The Belgian hairdressing salons are forced to remain closed at least until mid-January and possibly until the beginning of February due to the measures to combat the corona virus. Today, however, the sector has asked the government to be able to resume activities more quickly.
The Consultation Committee has decided to allow the reopening of so-called non-essential companies from the beginning of December. However, this relaxation does not apply to contact professions such as hairdressers, beauticians or tattoo artists.
However, this decision has been met with great misunderstanding by many involved. Dissatisfaction in the sector is all the greater because Belgium appears to be the only country in mainland Europe that keeps its hairdressing salons closed. “Many of our compatriots cross the border to get their hair done,” 28 companies, which together represent more than 300 hairdressing salons in Belgium, noted in a press release.
Safety
The companies point out that the sector is nevertheless particularly well placed to reopen its doors in complete safety. “Since the first lockdown, the salons have put in place very strict protocols to ensure the safety of the customers,” it notes. ‘The measures include a mandatory mask for staff and customers, a limitation of the number of clients, services by appointment, hand disinfection, cleaning of instruments and physical barriers.’
The press release also mentions an investigation in the United States in which two American hairdressers wore masks while exercising their profession. The conclusion was clear. No contamination was found in the 139 clients who were cared for, ”it says.
Reference is also made to a study conducted in mid-October among 575 customers in Belgium. It turned out that 96 percent of the respondents believed that the hairdressing salons had taken sufficient measures to guarantee their safety.
Finally, Jef Vermeulen, chairman of sector organization Coiffure.org, announced a symbolic action for the weekend. “We ask hairdressers to put their hairdressing chair outside on Saturday,” says Vermeulen.
The sector hopes to be able to convince the political decision-makers to reverse their decision and give permission to proceed with a reopening on December 14.
Source: BusinessAM
–
