RE: Information regarding your state's back-to-practice permission date and safety guidelines to minimize risk of exposure to, and spread of, COVID-19 in the workplace.
Estheticians, Hair/Barbers, Nail Technicians
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is having a meeting to discuss COVID-19 issues on June 9, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. ET. Here is the agenda. You can attend the virtual meeting by clicking on the link provided in the agenda. The topics of discussion listed on the agenda include: (1) salon reopening guidelines, (2) cosmetology and hairstyling school reopening guidelines, and (3) draft language for the hair braiding comment summary and responses. The Board has not issued draft guidelines the public may comment on in advance of the meeting. Public commentary is allowed, but must be submitted via email to almeidag@dca.njoag.gov by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 5, 2020.
Based on this FAQ updated today on Business.NJ.gov and this June 1, 2020, press release from the governor, hair salons and barbershops may reopen June 22, 2020.
Although the businesses reopening June 22, 2020, are hair salons and barbershops, this is an opportunity for board-licensed professionals who do more than cut hair to speak up and advocate for yourself, whether you want to return to work or would rather stay home.
ASCP, AHP, and ANP have developed back-to-practice guidelines available at the links below to help you get back to work safely, if you choose to do so.
Massage Therapists
The Business.NJ.gov FAQ indicates massage therapists still cannot return to work. ABMP is advocating for you and encourages you to also advocate for yourself, whether you want to return to work or wait, by contacting the governor's office and the Department of Health.
NOTE: With some states giving authority to local governments regarding work authorization, your liability insurance is only valid if you comply with whichever regulations are the most restrictive—state or local. If you are not authorized to work per state or regional orders, and you are working, you are not in compliance with your state or local regulations and therefore your insurance would not be valid.
Additional Safety Resources
ABMP, ASCP, AHP, and ANP understand there is a fine line between getting back to work and earning an income and protecting the safety of you and your clients. When Michigan gradually reopens, we urge you to make government permission to work only one element of your decision about whether and when to reopen. We encourage you to prepare yourself to resume business operations when the time comes. Please review our comprehensive series of back-to-practice guidelines to help reduce risk and keep you and your clients safe.
- Massage practitioners: ABMP Back-to-Practice Guidelines
- Estheticians: ASCP Back-to-Practice Guidelines
- Cosmetologists: AHP Back-to-Practice Guidelines
- Nail professionals: ANP Back-to-Practice Guidelines
We also have helpful forms and printouts available on our website, including office policies, screening questionnaires, and posters to remind clients about social distancing and handwashing.
We appreciate your membership and will continue working on your behalf to update you as we learn more. Please check our COVID-19 page for updates. Be safe and be well.
If you have questions or concerns, email us at gr@abmp.com.