More services allowed in barbershops, salons under GCQ, MGCQ, says Palace

July 7, 2020

The government is allowing barbershops and salons to offer more services to their customers in areas under the general community quarantine and modified GCQ, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Department of Trade and Industry has issued updated guidelines.

"The barbershops and salons are now allowed to do all the hair cutting services and hair treatment services under GCQ," he said.

Manila is one of the few areas  which remain under GCQ.

In areas under MGCQ, Roque said aside from hair cutting and hair treatment services, barbershops and salons could also now resume their nail care services, basic facial care, such as make-up, eyebrow threading, eyelash extension, facial massage and other basic personal care services, like waxing, threading, shaving, foot spa and hand spa.

Barbershops and salons in areas under GCQ could operate up to 30 percent of their capacity, while those in MGCQ, up to 50 percent until July 15.

Starting July 16, Roque said the establishments operating capacity in places under GCQ would increase to 50 percent, while for those in MGCQ, 75 percent.

"But still the physical distancing and prescribed minimum health protocols should be followed," he said.

The mandatory health standards include no face mask, no entry; provision for rubbing alcohol; registration with SafePass or staysafe.ph, health declaration checklist for contact tracing; and thermal scanning prior entry - those with higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius would not be allowed.

Other health standards and protocols are the following: all those who have symptoms, like colds, cough, or difficulty of breathing should be declined entry; chairs allowed to be occupied should be distanced at least one meter on all sides; proper ventilation and exhaust system in the establishment; restroom is properly sanitized and free of accumulation of trash; sterilization of equipment or tools and workstation before and after each service; and companions are not allowed entry, unless absolutely necessary.

Prior to the new DTI guidelines, parlors and barbershops were only allowed to offer hair cutting services to contain the spread of coronavirus disease. Celerina Monte/DMS