Confusion Reigns as Salons and Barbershops Seek Guidance from State on Opening

As part of his daily briefing. Governor Andrew Cuomo indicated hair salons would be able to open for "limited services" as part of Phase 2, although many salon owners are unclear about what this apparent change means.

As recently as yesterday, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said he assumed salons would be able to fully open as part of Phase 2, as the Governor had confirmed weeks ago. Today, the Governor showed a slide during his briefing that showed salons and barber shops as being able to open "limited services". In the absence of more thorough guidance, salon owners are scrambling for answers.

Niki Messina, owner of Salon in the Square by Niki Marie, says she's frustrated. "We are waiting for confirmation from the state wether we can open or not. We have been preparing for two week. Thousands of dollars on supplies to keep my staff and clients safe."

She expressed frustration with the Governor, "He can not expect us to survive much longer with out opening our businesses. Our cases our low. We’ve been doing everything he has asked us to do. Now let us get our lives back."

According to the NY Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool, businessexpress.ny.gov, which was designed to offer industry and region-specific guidance, salons and barber shops (NAICS codes 812112 and 812111, respectively) are listed as "Your business is currently permitted to operate with restrictions statewide. Restrictions that are applicable to your industry are as follows:
Salon operations may continue to operate with respect to the take-out or delivery of products consistent with retail guidance; no other services may be performed at this time."

Niki says she believes the Reopening Tool is reflecting information for the region's current Phase 1, and has not yet been updated.

Dale Lockwood Sr., of Dale Lockwood Haircutting in Utica says he plans to open on June 1st, as previously planned. He says unless he's "given an official directive from NYS stating otherwise," he stands by that plan.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said in his briefing on Thursday, he believes that it would be difficult to "stop them from opening," but even the County Executive says he's hoping for clarification. Picente says the county is being flooded with calls on the issue.

This story is developing, We will update as we receive more information.