Would you say something?

So, I will preface this saying that I know I've been on the conservative side of things with precautions, but I did go to get a manicure/pedicure the other day.

Before going, I had asked the owner via text what precautions they would be taking, and he reassured me that they would be following guidelines.

When I got there, they did seem to follow *most* of the guidelines. Girls had on face shields and masks. Plexiglass in front of pedicure and manicure stations. Appointment only. Sitting customers every other station (it's relatively small-6 pedicure chairs and 8 nail stations). I had the first appointment of the day, and there were a total of 5 customers.

However, I noticed things that I was uncomfortable with, and that I know go against their mandated guidelines-

I had to ask them to Clorox the manicure station when I sat down, as well as the UV light for the gel manicure. They did so no problem, but nobody else asked them to do so and they didn't.

They let two customers sit on their couch to wait, since I believe they were running behind (instead of waiting outside).

They asked someone to sit in the manicure station next to me, even though the one two away was open. I spoke up, and they moved her, but at that point I would have left in the middle of my service.

I know other people are "moving on," but I don't think it's unreasonable to expect places to follow the rules. Plus, I've been going there for years, and wouldn't want someone to report them (I really like the people there).

So, would you text the owner? What would you say?

Re: Would you say something?

You were the first one of the day so I’m not sure why they had to re clean the equipment for you.

Honestly I wouldn’t say anything. Yes, people are moving on. They had a lot of precautions in place. Not everything will be perfect. If it makes you uncomfortable don’t go back.

Re: Would you say something?

I'd give them some time to work out the kinks. There are a lot of changes that need to be made to their way of doing business, it's not going to be perfect off the bat.

Re: Would you say something?

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Message edited 8/23/2020 6:34:49 AM.

Re: Would you say something?

Also, whenever I am in a situation where the disinfection of surfaces is questionable...and to be honest that is everywhere you go, you have no idea what has been wiped down and who touched it since...I just make sure to wash/sanitize my hands immediately upon leaving and not touch my face until I do so.

Re: Would you say something?

I agree with everyone, I wouldn't say anything. All of these insane precautions are new to everyone and I think MOST businesses are doing the best that they can under the circumstances. To be honest, if you as an individual are going to be hyper nervous about the people and surfaces around you maybe you should wait on getting back to normal activities.

Re: Would you say something?

I don't think it's unreasonable to say something to them either -- as you said, with the idea that you don't want anyone else reporting them. I think it's fine to say that you're so glad to be able to go back to them but that you hope they're aware that in some cases, you were a little uncomfortable, particularly when they seated someone next to you. (To me, that's the big one.) The other things aren't as glaring, but that's obviously NOT protocol and a pretty big deal. I know it's not the end of the world, but if we treat all of these things like they're not the end of the world, then they can add up, and we'll wind up right back where we started -- when it WAS the end of the world.

Would you say something?

It honestly sounds like you are not ready to be doing elective things, like getting your nails done. You were the first person, why would they wipe things down again? We are allowed small group gatherings now, 2 people waiting? I wouldn’t even give it a second thought.

I’m the complete opposite, I find it over the top that I got yelled at for putting my clothes I was buying on the counter before they could disinfect it. It’s a little over the top to waste all these supplies wiping a counter down after every single customer.

Re: Would you say something?

OP-it's because people think everyone will be like you that they think it's ok to reopen.

It's because of all the hiccups and passivity that we will probably regret doing so.

Glad you spoke up. Scared for those who don't.

Would you say something?

I had similar feelings when I got my haircut the other day. Because of that, I will not be going to any salons, nail places, etc for the foreseeable future.

Re: Would you say something?

I would just not go back to a place if I was not comfortable with their procedures. I was at a store yesterday and became very uncomfortable with the other patrons, so I just left. But I am quiet person in general.

I feel like everyone is at different levels of comfort. They very well may have been doing what is required, but it was not enough for your comfort level. Since you are a regular, the owner may appreciate your feedback and take it into account.

Re: Would you say something?

Would you say something?

Thanks everyone. I guess I just had higher expectations that they would do the right thing and follow the rules-the three things I mentioned are all “required” nail salons, not suggested.

I made another appointment for two weeks from now, I just need to see how I feel at the time. I may try to switch to during the week when they open, when I’m assuming they would be less likely to be rushed/perhaps booking too closely.

Also made me realize that I probably need to carry Clorox wipes with me for the rest of my life lol

Message edited 6/29/2020 10:02:20 AM.

Re: Would you say something?

Speaking up about disregarding regulations designed to keep businesses from becoming superspreaders is not the same as being a loudmouth complainer who send the lobster back when it's not cooked perfectly.

Lives are at stake. The fate of the reopening is at stake.

Nice, polite, forgiving people should not feel silenced over issues like these. This is NOT about your being a narc, pushy, demanding, or unforgiving.

No business should open its doors until it is 100% prepared and compliant. If one accidentally does, it should be GRATEFUL to those who speak up, not impatient and disgusted.

Re: Would you say something?

Would you say something?

I would say something.

I am pretty laid back about things but, I was a bit put off by the way the barber was handling this. While at my hair place I had to wait in my car, get my temp taken, sign a waiver, they let us wait inside. They had a waiting area outside as well but, it was so hot. They don't do appointments though so you had to wait.

Would you say something?

I think if I felt that uncomfortable I probably would just stop getting my nails done for the time being.

These rules don’t take into account the square footage of salons as far as I know, and having 10+ people in an average sized nail salon just seems like too many, even if that’s going by the every other chair rule.

Message edited 6/29/2020 11:40:02 AM.

Re: Would you say something?

Re: Would you say something?

If I had been going to the same place for years, I certainly would text about the things that made me uncomfortable. Enforcement of all the new mandates is crucial to keeping community spread down.

I see nothing wrong with asking them to wipe down the equipment so you cansee that it has actually been wiped down, instead of relying on the fact that you were the first customer of the day and assuming they had done it the night before.

I ventured out yesterday for a massage. I brought my own wipes to open the front door, and wipe down the ottoman where I put my clothes.

Would you say something?

I wouldn't. Just don't go if you don't feel comfortable with it

Re: Would you say something?

I wouldn't say anything to be honest. I would continue to wash my hands after I left places like that and not touch my eyes, nose or mouth, and I would be wiping down my phone if I touched it while there. Viruses don't just go through your skin (unless it's like staph going in a cut). So your chances of wearing a mask, and getting sick while touching something in the nail salon and washing your hands after is pretty slim.

Keep in mind only 30 new cases today in Suffolk. And this stuff has been open for weeks now. So clearly they are doing something right at all of these salons, restaurants, etc.