My name is Jessica Hamilton and I am a licensed aesthetician and a member of the  Cosmetology Association of NB. 

A recent letter was released from our association stating that the board of directors are working on what “back to work” will look like. Their priorities mentioned in the letter claim that if we (all cosmetologists in the province) are following the CANB legislation and the State of Emergency and Mandatory Orders, there would be a possibility to reopen our doors to the public.

I strongly agree, we should not reopen our doors prematurely to the public or until there is a statement from our Health System (Public Health) stating that the province is free of Covid-19 or a vaccine has been created and is available to the public.

We are not considered essential workers. Our work is hands-on and goes against the State of Emergency and Mandatory Order of social distancing, making it impossible for us to follow the rules and safety manners. A lot of us work in salons and spas that have more than one cosmetologist who are employed and self-employed, again making it difficult for us to follow the CANB guidelines. For the cosmetologists who work from home, are putting the lives of our families, our clients and ourself in danger.

Other essential businesses are taking precautions that we simply cannot take during this worldwide pandemic.

I respectfully suggest to consider the the well-being of the workers, their families and potential customers.

The guidelines of the Cosmetology Association of NB want us to follow is attached.

Thank you for your consideration,

Jessica Hamilton