May 29th, 2020
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced today that Monroe County is distributing face shields to licensed barbers, hair stylists and colorists, who are now eligible to return to work as part of Phase Two of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to reopen New York.
Beginning today, the face shields are being distributed at no cost to help barbershops and salons reopen quickly and meet the newly issued state guidelines requiring this additional protection. Employees must wear both face masks and face shields when providing service directly to their customers.
"Because barbers and stylists closely interact with their customers, this extra safety measure is essential," Bello said. "We want to do everything we can to ensure this industry is able to reopen safely, keeping people healthy and preventing the further spread of COVID-19 in our community."
"I am grateful for County Executive Bello's rapid response after learning of this new state requirement this morning. His decisive action is instrumental in getting barbershops and salons back in business as soon as possible so we can care for our employees and our customers," said Rochester City Council Vice President Willie Lightfoot, who is also Founder and President of United Professional Barbers and Cosmetologist Association.
The face shields are part of a supply of PPE acquired by Monroe County to address health and safety needs related to the pandemic. The County is also making surgical masks, gloves and gallon jugs of hand sanitizer available to barbershops and salons.
To obtain PPE, barbershops and salons must submit a request via email to [email protected] with "Request for PPE for Barbershop or Salon" in the subject line. The email must include:
- Contact name and phone number
- Quantity of face shields, surgical masks, gloves and 1-gallon jugs of hand sanitizer requested
- Proof of NYS Appearance Enhancement Operator or Barber Operator license
- Names of employees for each face shield requested (1 per person)
Individual barbers and cosmetologists who are unable to obtain PPE through an employer are also able to submit a request. Proof of Monroe County residency is required.
After the request is approved, directions for pickup will be provided in an email response. Pickup hours are as follows:
- Friday, May 29 from 3 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 30 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5 from 7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
For more information, please email [email protected] or call (585) 753-5555.
