State Changes Course Again on Hair and Nail Salons and Barbershops: Outdoor Operations Now Allowed
The governor today announced that after some back and forth last week hair salons, nail salons, barbershops and other personal care services are now allowed to operate outdoors under specific guidance issued by the State today.
The new guidance also applies to esthetic, skin care, cosmetology and massage therapy in non-healthcare settings.
Electrology, tattooing and piercing services may not be provided in outdoor settings because they are invasive procedures that require a controlled hygienic environment to be performed safely.
You might recall that last week the State announced it was limiting these services to the outdoors in counties on the State Monitoring List, including San Bernardino County. Later in the week, the State announced outdoor service would not be allowed due to existing California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology regulations. That changed today.
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology regulations along with those of Cal/OSHA still apply, but hair salons and barbershops may operate outdoors in Monitoring List counties if the following guidance is followed:
- Outdoor operations may be conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter as long as no more than one side is closed, allowing sufficient outdoor air movement.
- Salons and barbershops should not perform a service that would require a customer to have to enter the establishment.
- Ensure any outdoor shade or outdoor working area has the same ventilation and airflow as the outdoors. Outdoor shaded areas can be configured to block wind but cannot be enclosed or partially enclosed on more than one side in a way that otherwise restricts normal airflow.
- Rewiring and the use of electrical extension cords can increase the likelihood of electrical hazards, including fire and electrocution. Ensure that outdoor operations comply with Cal/OSHA and all code requirements.
- Ensure there are no tripping hazards from cords or other equipment in outdoor work areas.
- Use skin protection when not under shade.
- Stop operations, move away from electrical wiring and equipment, and seek indoor shelter if there is lightning within six miles of your location.
Business owners should refer to the official new guidance for hair salons and barbershops and personal care services. More information can be found on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology website.
Avoiding and Identifying COVID-19 Scams
It’s sad, but true: whenever the nation suffers a crisis, criminals seek to take advantage — and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. Scammers have exploited the crisis to find new ways to cash in at the expense of residents.
Fraud reports have spiked due to uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, leaving many residents unsure how to avoid scams or report them to authorities. Following are examples of common frauds and tips for recognizing them and avoid being scammed:
Fake at-home COVID-19 testing kits or vaccinations
Scammers may email you or post advertisements on social media promoting remedies to cure or keep you safe from COVID-19. These ads are completely misleading and are tailored to take as much of your money as possible. Moreover, these kits can also negatively impact your health by exposing you to unknown chemicals.
There are no FDA-authorized home test kits or vaccinations for the coronavirus. Visit sites like coronavirus.gov and usa.gov/coronavirus to check for any official medical breakthrough that may occur in the future.
IRS impersonators
You may be contacted by criminals impersonating the IRS who ask about your stimulus check or request your personal information, claiming such information is necessary if you are to receive future financial support. In reality, the IRS will never call you or contact you via email or text.
Do not provide any personal information — especially with credit card or social security numbers — to anyone contacting you regarding your stimulus check. They are only pretending to be the IRS.
Illegal robocalls
Robocalls are often used by scammers to try and sell you phony low-priced health insurance and work-at-home schemes. Hang up immediately on illegal robocalls. Avoid pressing any numbers during the call as that may lead to more robocalls in the future.
Check with your phone service provider to see if they offer any spam call filters, and be sure to also register yourself on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce robocalls to your phone.
Fake charities
Scammers often pretend to be representatives of a legitimate charity and prey on a person’s goodwill by asking for donations to their cause. They may call or email you for donations with no (or fake) proof of official affiliation to a charity they claim to be representing. By donating, your money will end up in the scammers’ pockets and not with the charity you were hoping to support.
Always do your homework before donating and make sure you only submit funds through the charity’s official channels, such as its website or official address. Never respond to a charity that asks for donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money.
It’s important for residents to do their own research, and if any scammers contact you, report their suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
Visit our Surveillance Dashboard for COVID-related data
The Data Is In: Gatherings Spread COVID Cases
COVID-fatigue is something we’re all dealing with. We’re tired of being cooped up, tired of being careful, and tired of not seeing our friends and extended families. And this fatigue can make us careless, which is the primary reason we are seeing coronavirus cases spiking here in the County and across the state.
So while we’d all enjoy getting together for summer socializing, public and private gatherings are still prohibited under the state’s stay-at-home order, and our health officials are strenuously warning against violating that order. The bottom line is that data is showing that private gatherings have been clearly linked to recent COVID-19 outbreaks.
In the last month, 71% of those infected with COVID-19 told a contact tracer that they had attended a family gathering in the last 14 days -- a total of 228 people out of 319 interviewed by contact tracers that indicated they attended a gathering.
Data is also showing that transmission of the virus is coming from younger adults and teenagers. The majority of confirmed cases (52.2%) is coming from those between the age of 20 and 39. And another 24.4% of the cases are between the age of 10 and 19. We all need to think twice about exposing our elderly and those with underlying health conditions to family members who might not be aware they have the virus (asymptomatic carriers).
Gathering with family and friends from other households -- chatting, laughing, and having a great time -- is precisely how this virus spreads. That’s why the state’s stay-at-home order banning gatherings among people from different households is an order, not simply advice.
We may be tired of it, but until a vaccine is available, the best option to protect those we love is to gather virtually, or wait until orders have been lifted. The more we can be responsible, the sooner we will defeat COVID-19 and the sooner life can return to normal.
Thirteen County Jail Inmates and Three Sheriff’s Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
Thirteen County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Eleven inmates are at the West Valley Detention Center, and two are at the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center.
A total of 201 County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Many of the inmates are only experiencing minor symptoms of the virus. The infected inmates are in isolation, being monitored around the clock, and are being provided with medical treatment. One hundred and fifty-five inmates have recovered from the illness.
All inmates continue to be provided with face coverings, cleaning supplies, soap, and are urged to wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day. They are routinely reminded of the need to practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Three Sheriff’s Department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating at home. A total of 118 department employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Eighty-nine employees have recovered from the virus; other employees are expected to return to work in the next few weeks.
Mental Health Monday with Dr. Veronica Kelley
In today’s Mental Health Monday video, Dr. Veronica Kelley, director of the County’s Department of Behavioral Health, shares 10 tips to optimize your own mental health. Share this informative video with a family member or friend!
https://youtu.be/rHd0EYloLkI
Latest Stats
24,099 Confirmed Cases (up 1.4% from the previous day)
329 Deaths (up .3% from the previous day)
208,600 Tested (up 1.8% from the previous day)
For more statistics from the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard, click the desktop or mobile tab on the County’s sbcovid19.com website.
|
