Malls, Salons Reopen In Latest Phase Of New Hampshire Coronavirus Recovery
BOSTON (CBS) – New Hampshire is taking the next steps in reopening its economy after shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Several types of businesses were allowed to open with modifications on Monday.
Businesses will have to follow a number of guidelines as they open their doors.
Employees and customers must wear face coverings and practice social distancing, hand sanitizer must be available, and workstations must be cleaned and disinfected after each customer.
At Rockingham Park Mall in Salem, tape on the floor directs customers which way to walk and where to stand for social distancing. In addition, the dining area is closed and portions of benches are taped off to prevent groups from gathering.
Some customers waited in line outside the mall about an hour before it opened.
"It's a change of life. I never thought it would happen. It's very different," one man said. "If it's for our own good, we should do it."
Retail stores will be limited to 50% capacity, salons and barbershops can give only haircuts and touch-ups with arrivals limited to one person at a time, and golf courses can open to New Hampshire residents and members only.
Heather David got her hair cut and colored for the first time in nearly two months. "I was like a kid on Christmas morning this morning," she told WBZ. "I'm going to feel like a million bucks when I get out of here."
She was the first customer at the reopened Epic Design Studio in East Hampstead, New Hampshire.
"You can just tell by people coming in here they can't wait to get in here," said owner Adrienne David.
We first met the salon's owners Christina Beauregard and Adrienne David weeks ago after they were forced to close. Monday, the phone was ringing off the hook as money comes in once again.
Under Governor Chris Sununu's Stay at Home 2.0 order salons and barber shops have to follow strict guidelines.
"In between each client we have a protocol, obviously wearing masks is the biggest thing. I haven't stood behind a chair and worn a mask before," said Adrienne David.
Gov. Sununu said that while businesses are given the option to reopen, it is not mandatory.
"While many businesses will open their operations today under new guidance - absolutely no one is forced to do so. As always, employers have the final say on whether or not they wish to flex open their operations," Sununu tweeted on Monday.
Businesses owners can request masks from the state for employees.
As of Sunday, New Hampshire reported 3,071 cases of coronavirus and 133 deaths.
In Massachusetts, the stay-at-home advisory and order for non-essential businesses to remain closed is in effect until May 18.
