pt%202-06.jpg)
Although President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an easing of the COVID-19 national lockdown from the end of April, there has been some confusion as to what this means for our sector.
As it stands, we will only be able to open spas when we are at Level 1 of the lockdown and even then, with restrictions yet to be agreed with government. Until then, you are urged to stay at home as much as possible. If you carry out a treatment now, you are breaking the law.
There is a collective group working together to try to get a review by government in order for them to agree for an earlier opening for all salons and spas. This group consists of the EOHCB (Employers Organisation for Hairdressing Cosmetology and Beauty), Bargaining Council, leading suppliers and manufacturers, associations and of course, Professional Beauty.
A presentation to government was submitted by EOHCB on 27 April on behalf of the industry and the above mentioned collective and we await the outcome. We wish to emphasise that all proposals submitted to the government bear in mind the safety and health of clients and those working in the industry. There will be no short cuts at the expense of any person’s health.
In the meantime, please sign the EOHCB petition below, it can only help in highlighting the plight of many in the industry.
One small token of comfort is that our sector does finally appear on the latest list of what businesses can open and when, but yes, we are still at Level 1 for the moment.
A word of caution to those who think they can now work from home. We have seen many posts on social media from people saying that they can now do treatments at home. If you do, you are breaking the law and risk arrest for both you and your client.
(Report by Phil Woods)