Border beauticians have joined the businesses that cannot operate due to government-imposed restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Skin and beauty therapy providers, nail salons, masseurs and more were yesterday morning grappling with new restrictions imposed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Hair salons and barbers can still operate at this stage, but will be required to alter practices even more to ensure each client is out of the doors within 30 minutes.
After seeing the announcement, Kelly McDonald organised financial advice and support for her eight employees at Bliss Skin and Body on Olive Street in Albury.
"My duty of care is to the team of girls who work with me," she said.
"They will get all their leave entitlements - I know some businesses aren't in a position to be able to do that - but we all sat down and went through step-by-step how to use MyGov, to give some peace of mind.
"I'm not letting go of their hand ... and when we reopen, everyone who has a position now will be able to start back with me.
"We'll press the 'pause' button and take time to get over this - I've tried to stay positive."
Ms McDonald was already winding down operations to support the collective effort to limit COVID-19 transmission, and has cancelled all appointments with the intention to sell products for the next couple days.
"We wanted to get on board with the shut down; the sooner we can do it, the better," she said.
"I've been in business for 20 years and I love what I do - I don't want to go anywhere.
"I've never seen anything like this, and it's going to be tough on everybody.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Beauty salon owners in Albury-Wodonga need to band together.
"We will get through it, and we have no other choice."
Beauty salons of comparable size like Allure Lash and Beauty Bar notified customers through social media channels and attempted to fit as many appointments in on the final day of business.
Tattoo parlours, spas and massage parlours (excluding physiotherapy and other allied-health services), real estate auctions and open house inspections, amusement parks and arcades and indoor and outdoor play centres were among the additions to the list of restrictions announced by Mr Morrison on Tuesday night.
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
