Only haircuts, no shaving ; health ministry tells salons

COLOMBO (News1st) : The health ministry has said that barbers, if permitted to resume services, should avoid shaving beards and mustaches, among a list of several guidelines published on Friday. Issuing a circular, the ministry noted that services in salons should be limited to cutting and trimming of hair, hair dyeing, manicure, pedicure, and waxing. However, salon owners will be permitted to resume operations only after receiving permission of the medical officer of health (MOH) in the area, provided that health guidelines are followed. The application form that should be filled out by the owners and then submitted to the MOH can be downloaded here. "Number of customers entering the salon should be limited according to the space available in order to maintain a distance of one meter," the circular read. It also recommended an appointment system to avoid crowding at salons. Among other key instructions were to avoid sharing equipment between barbers, washing linens after every use, and to avoid using air conditioners with the re-circulation of air. "Shaving beards or mustache is not recommended," the circular stressed. Further, salon owners have also been instructed to check the temperatures of staff and customers at the entrance before accepting them into the premises. "The barber or dresser shall wear a mask and a goggle or an eye shield throughout when attending to customers," the health ministry emphasized. The circular stressed that health authorities and the police will monitor the activities of salons and take action in the event of violating any of the rules. The other regulations listed out in the circular are produced below :