Covid-19 has changed the landscape of the economy, work routines and behavioural habits. During these unprecedented times, consumers and businesses must learn how to move forward. With Phase 1 & Phase 2 of the re-launch underway, businesses have started re-opening their doors and welcoming consumers once more. The challenge for many businesses remains; how do they keep their employees and consumers feeling safe?

Businesses like retail stores and restaurants have been following health guidelines by:

• Limiting the number of consumers in their stores to allow physical distancing
• Installing plastic shields at check out counters to minimize Covid-19 risk to employees
• Strongly encouraging card tap payment for consumers
• Providing essential personal protective equipment to employees, and adopting temperature check methods
• Offering hand sanitizer for consumers and employees
• Encouraging consumers to wear masks and gloves
• Diligent cleaning and disinfecting of common areas
• Pivoting their focus to delivery, takeout, and curbside pick up services

Businesses that offer services to their clients (i.e. hair salons, nail salons, barber shops) have unknowingly become pioneers in the new Covid-19 landscape. In a pandemic state where physical distancing is a safety requirement, how are businesses that offer services to their clients coping? How are they participating in the re-opening of the economy safely? These types of businesses are required to touch their clients; repeatedly. The biggest question remains, how do we make our clients feel safe?

During the shutdown, many people eagerly awaited getting back to a sense of normalcy and taming their pandemic inspired hairstyles. David Roberts, a solopreneur and owner of Hair Creative located in Calgary, re-opened his business on May 25 to a surge of clients. As a registered cosmetologist, David understands the importance of proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols to ensure the safety of his clients. In preparation of re-opening, David expanded on government policy and included additional precautions; “I sought advice from clients who are medical professionals and incorporated additional procedures to ensure safety.” Additional procedures in place include:

• Masks are mandatory and to be worn at all times in the studio by clients and stylists
• Allowing 30 minutes in between appointments for proper cleaning and set up prior to next client
• Communicating to clients when they can enter the salon for their appointment
• Limiting common areas and the number of clients within the salon
• Use of hospital grade disinfectant to clean the salon

As Canada continues its phased approach of re-opening the economy, the importance of innovation and ingenuity for small businesses have increased. Business owners are now faced with the challenge of ensuring the safety of their clients, consumers, and employees. Supporting small businesses and offering appropriate empathetic feedback where available will be key factors in the re-emergence of the economy.