Photo by THIERRY ROGE/Belga/AFP via Getty Images
ORLANDO, Fla. - Wait times are building up at Central Florida barbers and hairdressers, exceeding several hours at some locations, as they are officially allowed to reopen after about two months of being closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
FOX 35 reporter Brian Scott checked on a Great Clips location in Altamonte Springs, who estimated that he would have to wait about two and a half hours for a cut today.
Then, FOX 35 sports reporter Adam Shadoff checked on Great Clips locations across Orlando using the tracker on their website at about 1 p.m. and it listed wait times starting at 102 minutes and going all the way up to over 180 minutes.
MORE NEWS: When will Florida enter phase 2 of reopening and what will it include?
FOX 35 Amanda McKenzie visited J. Henry's barbershop on Monday morning as the first appointments began. He said the near two-month closure was very difficult and gave thanks to God, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Governor Ron DeSantis for helping him get back to work safely.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Salons and barbershops reopening on Monday
FOX 35 reporter Amanda McKenzie gives the latest from a barbershop in Orlando.
Henry made the announcement that barbershops and salons would be able to open on Governor DeSantis' Twitter page on Friday. He stated that "we want to be safe to continue to wear gloves, wear masks, bookmark appointments and continue to keep the community safe. I know everyone is happy to come out and support the barbershop, and we want to continue to keep one thing in mind, safety is always first.”
He was wearing a mask and gloves while giving haircuts on Monday.
MORE NEWS: Orange County curfew officially lifted as Florida continues phase one of reopening
The businesses that reopen must practice appropriate social distancing and precautionary measures that are outlined by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. For example, the following restrictions must be followed by barbershops, cosmetology salons, and cosmetology specialty salons:
- All customers need to be by appointment only
- Allow at least 15 minutes between the conclusion of an appointment and the beginning of the next appointment for proper disinfecting practices
- No group appointments are permitted
- Masks must be worn by all employees while performing personal services
This browser does not support the Video element.
Hair salons and barbers shops allowed to open May 11
Gov. Ron DeSantis posted a video Friday featuring Orlando barbershop owner John Henry, who announced that starting Monday, barbershops, hair salons and nail salons will be allowed to reopen in most of the state after being shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.
MORE NEWS: Walt Disney World resorts now accepting reservations beginning in July
Coronavirus hotspots Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the only remaining Florida counties left out of phase one of reopening, as Palm Beach County will be included in the phase starting Monday. However, he believes that these counties could possibly join the rest of the state on May 18, as they have had good trends in efforts to control the virus.
Governor DeSantis has not yet said when Florida will enter Phase 2 of reopening.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest coronavirus news.
MOBILE USERS: Click here to tune in to FOX 35 Orlando
This browser does not support the Video element.