… Urges Increased Precaution In Hair Salons
Dr. Oluseyi Temowo of the Lagos State Aids ControlAgency (LSACA) has adviced the city’s residents against frequenting hair salons to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.
He warned that it is necessary to observe adequate preventive measures, such as social distancing, hand sanitising, wearing of nose masks, among others, within those spaces.
“It is not good for the hair to be untidy; otherwise it might be a potential source of contamination. If the hair is not well kept, it could aid in the spread of the virus. For example, a doctor’s hair could be contaminated, while attending to patients or doing a procedure that has fluid. There are other professions and services that make it easy for the hair to be infected.
“However, it is very safe to do manicure and pedicure, provided the customer and the trader are well kitted in the preventive measures,” he said.
He explained that, however, hair stylists for men must dispose their waste frequently, even more than before and decontaminate their own aprons and those for customers after each use.
“Similarly, hair dressers must wash all their hair setting equipment in chlorinated water and ensure proper hygiene measures. This must be done regularly. Also, the customers must use their face masks at all time, while they are at the salon, just like the hair dressers.”
He opined that individuals should only visit the salon when absolutely necessary, as for instance, when in need of major services.
“Minor ones can be done at home. This is to reduce the risk of getting infected. There is high risk of contamination, when barbers use the same cover cloth (aprons) for all customers without decontaminating them after each use.
“Similarly, women should regularly clean their gadgets in chlorinated water, which is ideal. Otherwise, customers could inadvertently be exposed to the virus.”
