Birx: Even With Masks, Reopening Hair Salons Is ‘Not A Good Phase 1 Activity’

TOPLINE

Dr. Deborah Birx cautioned governors from including hair salons and barber shops — even when people are wearing masks — in their first round of reopenings, even as some governors in some states are either considering taking the step or have taken it already. 

KEY FACTS

Key background

The White House guidelines specify that states should have a two week downward trajectory of cases and have widespread testing capacity before they begin to reopen. But under pressure to ease social distancing restrictions that have crippled the economy, some governors have overlooked the guidelines and reopened anyway. 

Big number

18 states have now partially reopened.

Crucial quote

Dr. Anthony Fauci cautioned governors against “leapfrogging” the White House guidelines.

“There are some states, some cities, or what have you, who are looking at that and kind of leapfrogging over the first checkpoint,” Fauci said Thursday during CNN’s coronavirus town hall. “And I mean obviously you could get away with that, but you are making a really significant risk. I hope they can actually handle any rebound that they see.”

Tangent

Birx also warned that reopening beaches was not safe if people did not practice social distancing. California Gov. Gavin Newsom was forced to close some beaches on Thursday after reports of crowds and people not following social distancing.

Further reading 

Dr. Deborah Birx on efforts to find COVID-19 treatments, vaccines and push to reopen America (Fox News)

Haircut? Sure. Flying? Maybe not. As states reopen, Americans more comfortable with small steps, survey shows (USA Today)

Governors From Both Parties Slam Trump’s Claims About Testing: ‘Delusional’ And ‘Not Accurate’ (Forbes)

See Which States Are Reopening and Which Are Still Shut Down (New York Times)