06/23/2020
RE: Information regarding Washington, DC's back-to-practice permission date and safety guidelines to minimize risk of exposure to, and spread of, COVID-19 in the workplace.
Permission to Practice June 22, 2020
Per a Mayor's Order released June 19, 2020, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the District of Columbia entered Phase Two of reopening Monday, June 22, 2020. Businesses offering personal services, including barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, wax salons, and spas, may resume operations as of June 22, 2020. Executive Director Aisha Nixon of the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) and the Allied and Behavioral Health Boards confirmed massage therapists may also reopen June 22, 2020, using the guidance below.
Phase Two Guidance for Personal Services was developed for businesses returning to work. Key guidelines include:
- Employees and clients should wear a face covering at all times.
- Clients cannot congregate in waiting areas.
- Workstations should be spaced six feet apart, or transparent shields should be installed where social distancing is not possible.
No more than one client is allowed per service provider, and employers should consider staggering shifts, start times, and break times as much as possible.
Visit the Washington, DC Department of Heath COVID-19 webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding coronavirus testing, available financial assistance, and health and safety precautions.
Additional Safety Resources
ABMP, ASCP, AHP, and ANP understand there is a fine line between getting back to work and earning an income and protecting the safety of you and your clients. As you consider returning to work, we urge you to make government permission to work only one element of your decision about whether and when to reopen. Please review our comprehensive series of back-to-practice guidelines to help reduce risk and keep you and your clients safe.
- Massage practitioners: ABMP Back-to-Practice Guidelines
- Estheticians: ASCP Back-to-Practice Guidelines
- Cosmetologists: AHP Back-to-Practice Guidelines
- Nail professionals: ANP Back-to-Practice Guidelines
We also have helpful forms and printouts available on our website, including office policies, screening questionnaires, and posters to remind clients about social distancing and handwashing.
We appreciate your membership and will continue working on your behalf to update you as we learn more. Please check our COVID-19 page for updates. Be safe and be well.
If you have questions or concerns, email us at gr@abmp.com.