'Take care of the customers’: Salons, gyms in SC ready to reopen

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Gyms, public pools, massage businesses, tattoo parlors and salons in South Carolina are back in business starting Monday.

The state has already taken several steps toward reopening.

Nonessential businesses reopened April 20. The work-or-home order expired May 4, and restaurants also resumed outdoor dining that day. On May 11, the state added limited indoor dining at restaurants.

Now, Monday, salons, gyms,

Channel 9′s Erin Edwards spoke to businesses in Rock Hill, and they said they’re closely following the state’s guidelines for reopening.

A few places, such as 9 Round, will be taking a few extra steps and going above the state’s regulations in an effort to keep their employees and clients safe.

Before they closed, their workout sessions were packed, but under the new state guidelines, only seven people are allowed in the workout space including the trainer.

“We want to make sure all of our members, all of our staff are very, very safe," said Dennis Carver, managing partner at 9 Round in Rock Hill.

Carver said he placed blue tape on the mats to make sure clients are keeping a safe distance.

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“The good thing about us is you always have your own trainer. Well, now you have your own personal sanitizer,” he said.

While the gym will be open and welcoming guests, it is encouraging people to schedule sessions online.

“Kind of like getting a haircut you can schedule online. But if you walk in, you might not be able to get in,” Carver said.

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Their customers showed up as early as 5 a.m. to the gym that resembles the one they left at the end of March.

“Normally, we would rerack the equipment ourselves,” customer Alexandra Craig said. “This time, we have to set it on the floor, so that the trainers can wipe it down and put it back.”

The state only allows each facility to operate at 20 percent capacity and everyone inside is required to maintain their social distance. In addition, all equipment, tables and chairs must be sanitized through the day.

"We’re always ready to make any kind of changes that we need,” said Kimberly Carver, managing partner at 9 Round in Rock Hill.

“I’m just so thankful that we’re able to get back and workout, even with these minor restrictions,” customer Meagan Lowery said.

Over at Yuler Dominican hair salon in Tega Cay, it is allowing only six people inside the salon at a time.

“We’re asking all the people to come in with gloves and masks, and we’re also providing it if they cannot come with them,” said Leyris Perez with Yuler Dominican hair salon.

Nail salons are also taking precautions and many are not allowing walk-ins to give adequate time to clean.

It is up to each salon owner whether they opened Monday, but anyone who does open will need to follow the state’s guidelines such as keeping the stations clean between customers and following social distancing practices inside.

“I’m excited but nervous at the same time because you know we try our best to have enough time to take care of the customers. And then at the same time, we need enough time to clean," said Natalie Nguyen.

All the places Channel 9 talked to Sunday said they are booked.

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