No New Infections Linked to Salon Where 2 Hairstylists Had Coronavirus

A recent event proved the importance of wearing masks and practicing social distancing to keep COVID-19 at bay. Two hairstylists at a Springfield, Missouri, salon tested positive for the virus. Although 140 clients and seven co-workers were potentially exposed to the symptomatic Great Clips stylists, no new cases were reported.

“This is exciting news about the value of wearing masks to prevent COVID-19,” said Clay Goddard, the director of health for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. “We are studying more closely the details of these exposures, including what types of face coverings were worn and what other precautions were taken to lead to this encouraging result.”

According to MLive, hair salons and barbershops were among the high-risk categories reviewed by health experts because the very nature of haircuts and hair styling make social distancing impossible.

“That’s high risk, no matter how you look at it,” said one expert. “They’re right in your face.” The experts told MLive that wearing masks could lower the risk and that clients should wait outside in their vehicles until their stylist is ready.

A recent report in the Lancet reiterated the importance of wearing a mask, social distancing and washing hands to contain the spread of the virus. The salon in Springfield set up their chairs in accordance with the six-foot social distancing guidelines.

According to CNN, the salon also kept impeccable records that facilitated contact tracing, said Goddard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that one-third of coronavirus infections are asymptomatic, so it’s possible that some of the people who came into contact with the infected stylists didn’t show symptoms and therefore were not tested.

In all, 46 individuals were tested and their results came back negative. Health officials called the other clients and co-workers daily to find out if they developed symptoms related to COVID-19. The 14-day incubation period has since expired.

According to CNN, Great Clips issued a statement welcoming the news of their Springfield franchise.

“We care deeply about the well-being of customers, salon staff and the communities we serve, and we are grateful for the health of these individuals,” they wrote. The two stylists have been released from isolation.