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Most of us can't afford to not work. We also don't want to contribute to the community spread of COVID-19. Asa Hutchinson is risking public health by not mandating closures because he doesn't want us to be eligible for assistance/unemployment. 

As licensed Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Techs, Barbers, and Massage Therapists in Arkansas, we are facing a moral conundrum in our industry. 

Salons, barbershops, etc are workplaces that carry a high risk of worsening community spread of COVID-19. Most have 10 or more people in a common area, and all of the professionals have direct contact with several clients a day. Even with proper and supplemental sanitation procedures, spreading the virus in these environments is not just likely, it’s almost definite. Social distancing is being highly promoted as the #1 action the general public can take to help prevent community infection, and our workplaces are by design the exact opposite of social distancing.

In response to an email I sent to the Board of Cosmetology and many others, Kelli Kersey said:

"Dear Ms. Kelsay,

Thank you for bringing your concerns to the Arkansas Department of Health. During this public health emergency, the Department is relying heavily on guidance from the Center for  Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Governor of Arkansas on mandatory closing of businesses. The current guidelines suggest to keep any meetings/gatherings below 10 or less people, use health and safety precautions such as three(3) to Six(6) feet distance, practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently, refrain from hugging, handshaking and touching your face. Should the guidelines broaden pertaining to businesses the Department will communicate via the website below. Please continue to monitor the website daily as well as the CDC website, also below, for the latest updates.

Kelli Kersey

Cosmetology and Massage Therapy Section, Section Chief"

When I asked how we are supposed to follow the social distancing guidelines while servicing a client, she did not respond. 

An overwhelming amount of us knows for a fact that temporarily suspending business is the right thing to do. We WANT to, for the good of the community. The problem is, most of us are self-employed. We worry that if we do what we know is right and temporarily close for business, without a state mandate it will be considered a personal decision. We deeply worry that closing as a “personal decision” will disqualify us from emergency financial assistance and/or disaster-related unemployment, should the need arise. 

I understand there is a push from our industry to add specific aid for beauty industry professionals in legislation on a national level. In the meantime, announcing a state-mandated suspension of businesses and practitioners licensed under the Arkansas Department of Health/Cosmetology is a critical step not only to ease the anxiety of industry professionals but to help stop the spread of the virus. 

Several attempts to contact the Governor or anyone associated with his office have proved unsuccessful, so now I am collecting signatures. There's power in numbers so maybe this will get his attention. 

We are asking that Asa Hutchinson follow suit of the governors of OH, NY, CA, IL, PA, and other states. Temporarily shut us down. 

Thank you