Just wear mittens

Well now there’s an essential industry.

Community spread of the coronavirus in California began in a nail salon, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday, as other states allow their manicurists to reopen.

Why allow nail salons of all places to open during a pandemic? Are women unable to function without long painted fingernails?

State health directors have put some “red flags” on nail salons as a high-risk business, Newsom added, likening them to gyms and hair salons. He announced Monday that the state will allow some low-risk businesses, including bookstores, warehouses, florists and more, to begin reopening with modifications and offering curbside pick up as soon as Friday.

One salon owner was shocked to hear it.

Saunders James said she employs 12 people in her business, which opened in January and has been closed since mid-March. In preparation for reopening, whenever that may be, she said she’s stocking up on personal protective equipment and disinfectants.

“I am just intuitively kind of following the rules of what a nurse would wear or a physician, or something that is more in the medical field,” she said. “Because if you’re comfortable enough to go to the dentist, or go in to see your physician, then if we’re wearing the same thing and our environment is as sterile and sanitized as a medical office, then why wouldn’t the customer feel comfortable getting a manicure in that situation?”

Because medical treatment and dental work are necessary for health. Polished fingernails are not remotely necessary for health. Why take a risk by going to a nail salon (and getting up close and personal with the person who decorates your fingernails) when doing so is far from essential?

Other states haven’t been as cautions when it comes to reopening personal care locations like nail salons. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced earlier this week hair and nail salons, barber shops and tanning salons will be allowed to reopen with modifications on Friday. 

Again: stupid. Why take that risk for optional fripperies?

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