IATF mulls opening of beauty salons, barber shops

MANILA, Philippines — Haven’t had a haircut since Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine.

Officials are expected to discuss whether barber shops and salons can operate while quarantine measures are in place, Malacañang said yesterday.

“That is being discussed.The problem with salons, barber shops is it is impossible to observe social distancing unless we develop scissors that are longer, those that will not require the one cutting the hair to move close (to the customer),” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing.

“But this will be discussed and I would be announcing the questions of our countrymen, including those involving barbers and shops that sell clothes. Many seem to be eager to go shopping,” he added.

The government was expected to decide on these concerns yesterday, but members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases discussed, among other topics, the guidelines for areas under the general community quarantine and those whose restrictions will be eased after April 30.

Establishments not related to food production and health were forced to suspend operations when Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine on March 17.

The quarantine was extended until May 15 in “high risk” areas including Metro Manila.

Among the establishments that temporarily closed shop are beauty parlors and barber shops, forcing some people to have their hair cut at home or just let their hair grow until the lockdown is lifted. Roque is expected to announce the guidelines on general community quarantine today.

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