The Birmingham Times
Barber shops and hair salons have been ordered to close due to the risk of infection by COVID-19, said Mark E. Wilson, M.D., Jefferson County Health Officer, on Sunday.
Wilson said he ordered the closures the evening of Monday, March 23 “both for the safety of the patrons and hair care professionals . . . this is a matter of life and death,” said Wilson in a video.
View video here:
https://www.facebook.com/121998851189723/videos/1075094162852562/
He also signed an amended order that says hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential businesses that remain open during the coronavirus pandemic must now practice social distancing of 6 feet or more beginning Monday, March 23 at 5 p.m.
In his amended order, Wilson wrote, “all businesses not on the attached list for closure, including pharmacies, grocery stores, electronic stores and services for telecommunication, hardware, office supplies, and building must operate under the following conditions . . . social distancing of 6 or more feet and institute sanitation plans in accordance with CDC guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html ”
He added: “Prior to April 6, 2020, a determination shall be made about whether to extend this provision.”
Essential businesses under the amended order also include:
- clinics
- first responders
- water, gas, electricity utilities
- financial institutions
- funeral homes
- hardware stores
- technology stores.
As of Sunday evening there were 71 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Jefferson County, 157 statewide, according to the Associated Press. By comparison, Thursday afternoon, there were 34 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the county, 77 statewide, according to the ADPH.
- Entertainment, including night clubs, bowling alleys, arcades, racetracks, indoor children’s play places, pool halls, adult gaming and entertainment venues
- Recreation facilities, including gyms and fitness centers, swimming pools and spas, excluding licensed physical therapy services
- Nail salons and spas
- Casinos
- Concert venues and auditoriums
- Theaters
- Tourist attractions (including museums, planetariums, parades)
- Body art facilities and tattoo services
- Tanning salons
- Massage parlors
- Waxing salons/threading salons
- Museums and Galleries
- Performing Arts centers/events/rehearsals
- Social clubs
- Fraternity and Sorority meetings and events
- Proms, Formals and other similar events
In his video released on Sunday to the public, Wilson said, “I simply cannot possibly list each and every business. I need your help using good judgment to do each and everything you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
