THUNDER BAY – Rocco Minnella says he wasn’t sure what to expect when his customers returned to his salon on Friday – but he’s just glad to have them back.
Booked solid into next week, the artistic director of La Paloma Salon said it’s been a long three months weathering the COVID-19 shutdown.
He joked that first week might be a lot of repair jobs.
“I’m sure we’re going to get a lot of haircuts that have been done at home and colours. I’m sure there will be a lot of disasters out there,” Minnella said, with a chuckle.
“I’ve seen a few around town.”
Kidding aside, it’s an exciting day, he said.
“We can’t wait to see our loving customers,” he said. “We’re full, today, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday. We’re booking into late next week.”
Like other businesses permitted to open under Phase 2 of Ontario’s reopening strategy, it won’t be business as usual at La Paloma.
Minnella said he and the staff at La Paloma are worried about COVID-19 and the close contact they have with their customers, but believe they have done what's necessary to keep everyone safe.
The salon has installed plexiglass barriers at the cash, and plan to take extensive precautions to keep staff and customers safe. Both staff and customers will have to wear masks, appointments are being spaced out a little more in between and stations will be sanitized between each and every sitting.
It's going to be a little different, Minnella said.
“Every chair is at least six feet apart, so we’re spacious. We’ve got the signage. We got rid of the waiting area and the cappuccino. We’re pretty ready to open,” Minnella said.
Edward Meijer was one of the first customers in line on Friday morning.
He was ecstatic at the chance to get back into his normal grooming routine.
“I’ve been waiting for quite some time,” the silver-haired Meijer said. “I’m glad I’m one of the earlier ones, so it’s done. My hair doesn’t grow that much. It’s not that long. But I think it’s exciting things are getting back to normal.”
Not all salons were ready to open on Friday, but most are expected to be back in business within the next week.
A message on the First Choice Haircutters answering machine indicates they plan to open on Monday and are taking appointments.
