Note: Gov. Tate Reeves’ order specifically applied to salons and gyms, not tattoo parlors, though Southaven has interpreted that order to also include tattoo parlors.
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Businesses across northern Mississippi will begin to reopen as state health officials continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Tate Reeves announced tattoo parlors, salons, barbershops and gyms can open their doors starting Monday.
The owner of Illusion Ink Carl Boshers says he is ready to get back to work after closing back in April.
“I’m ready to get to work,” Boshers said. “I don’t want to live off the state. I want to live off me.”
Boshers says tattoo shops were under strict health and safety guidelines before the pandemic hit the Mid-South. His employees are required to wear gloves and work in private rooms.
“We clean with matacide, medical grade cleaners in between every client,” Boshers said. “So, there’s not a whole lot more we can do aside from asking the client to wear masks and of course the artist is wearing a mask.”
He also said clients will have to wait in their cars until it is time for their appointment.
Under Reeves’ ‘Safer At Home’ order, all salons and barbershops must be deep cleaned before opening. Chairs must be six feet apart, employees and customers must wear face masks and need to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
Gyms and other indoor athletic studios can operate at 30% capacity, equipment must be six feet apart, employees must wear face masks and they have to close by 10 p.m.
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite agrees it is time for people to get back to work and reopen the economy but understands COVID-19 still has a significant impact on the community.
He is encouraging people to be mindful of social distancing guidelines.
“Even though we are opening some things back up, if you are older or if you have any kind of underlying health condition, we’re going to encourage you to use every safety measure to keep yourself safe,” Mayor Musselwhite said.
Governor Reeves says he is extending the state order to May 25 in an effort to flatten the COVID-19 curve but he is expected to allow more businesses reopen down the line.
