California Governor Newsom Says Coronavirus Outbreak Started in a Nail Salon

Written by @pistolwhippedya

California Governor Gavin Newsom is in no hurry to reopen the golden state’s nail salons. In a recent press conference, the governor shared with reporters that COVID-19 started in a nail salon.

“This whole thing started in the state of California — the first community spread — in a nail salon,” he said, according to the San Francisco Gate. “I just wanted to remind you, remind everybody of that. I’m very worried about that.”

Owner of Saunders and James Nail Care in Oakland, California Michelle Saunders James said she was “shocked” by the governor’s remarks. She said she hasn’t heard anything from health officials nor the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology about coronavirus outbreaks stemming from nail salons.

“Had they known that this was the situation, absolutely zero information was ever sent to any nail care people in the industry at all,” she said in an interview. “It was very scary to hear that.

According to CNBC, Governor Newsom announced a four-phase plan to begin reopening the state, starting Friday. Unlike other states that have allowed manicurists to resume, California nail salons will not reopen until phase 3. The state is currently in transition from phase 1 to phase 2, which will allow public spaces, childcare facilities, and factories to reopen and permits retail stores to offer curbside pickup.

Although some criticize Newsom’s decision, his logic behind it seems reasonable. Pointing out that salon workers already wore masks and gloves but somehow were still infected with the virus.

In April, California announced the first deaths of COVID-19 actually occurred in California and not Washington, though it was initially thought, reported People. Two people died of the virus in February before the first reported deaths in Washington.

California has done well at containing the spread of the virus, which is why Newsom is working to reopen the state. However, he expresses, the state is still months away from “pre-pandemic life.”

Hair salons, gyms, and movie theaters are also on the list to reopen in phase three. Phase four will fully lift the stay-at-home order.

“If our behavior radically changes, we risk the framework we’re advancing,” he said.