Barbershops, salons can operate in GCQ areas starting June 7 —DTI

Barbershops and salons can finally open its doors to customers beginning June 7 in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas, although only at 30% operating capacity, the Department of Trade and Industry said on Saturday. 

Meanwhile areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) will be allowed to operate at 50% operating capacity.  

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases allowed the opening of barbershops and salons in GCQ areas as long as minimum health protocol standards are observed prior to opening.

"Earlier opening was reconsidered in recognition of the very strict health protocol that was developed and to be adopted before they can be allowed to operate, to prevent any risk of COVID-19 transmission," he said.

The reopening of salons and barbershops will bring back an estimated at 400,000 jobs in over 35,000 shops. 

Lopez added accreditation is no longer necessary prior to reopening.

However, he said those who will violate protocols shall face shop closure.

"There will be no need for accreditation to remove any bureaucracy in opening, but there will operations audit to be done,  and non compliant shops will be closed down until they correct the deficiencies," he said.

Below are the guidelines on minimum health protocols for barbershops and salons to follow:

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez says the IATF has OK’d the opening of barbershops and salons at 30% in GCQ areas, starting June 7. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/hF7Sv67bv8

— Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) May 30, 2020

Lopez however clarified that only basic services such as haircut and hairstyle may be offered to customers.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Lopez said, “Basic lang po, haircut at hairstyling [ang allowed]. Wala muna ‘yung mga iba.”

“Basta haircut and hairstyle lang ang pinag-usapan,” he said.

However, the Cabinet official said that hair coloring services may be allowed since it won’t require too much physical contact.

Massage treatment, shaving, shampooing, waxing, threading, manicure, and pedicure will not be allowed since these services require longer physical contact.

“Less contact the better,” Lopez said.

“Wala na muna ang iba. ‘Yung basic lang at mabilisan,” he said. —With a report from Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News