You can get a haircut starting June 8

Hair salons and barber shops whose plans have been approved and certified by the Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) can start reopening Monday, June 8.

The decision came today after review of daily testing results and local epidemiologic data. Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich said, “Our doubling time has increased, our percent increase in cases over the past week has dropped, we have had only two new chains of transmission in the past 14 days, and other epidemiologic factors look favorable.”

The doctor added that the local health care system and contact investigation teams also have capacity. “Monday marks 14 days out from Memorial Day activities,” Dr. Frankovich said, referring to the standard incubation period for the virus. “In light of these factors, we have decided to move forward on salons and barber shops a bit sooner than planned.”

Public Health will continue to closely monitor the amount of disease activity in the community as businesses and other entities gradually reopen, she said.

“There are still concerns about the possible impacts of the recent protest gatherings which began a week ago and are ongoing, but because of our favorable data, we are planning to move forward while carefully monitoring the situation,” Dr. Frankovich said. “Again, our ability to continue this social and economic recovery is dependent upon our community working together on using facial coverings, distancing and following all of the public health guidance we have been advising.”

Certificates will be sent today to all hair salons and barber shops with approved plans. Because many facilities do not plan to reopen right away, please call ahead before going to your favorite location.

If conditions remain favorable, additional county-certified businesses in the following sectors are expected to be cleared for reopening in this order:

Campgrounds, including RV parks – Reopening date expected to be announced next week with a reopening anticipated before the weekend.Hotels and lodging for leisure travel/tourism – after June 12Gyms – after June 12.

Dr. Frankovich said she still highly encourages older residents and those with chronic medical conditions to limit their activities outside the home to minimize possible exposures. “It is the safest course moving forward,” she said.