KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Some nonessential businesses in the Kansas City metro have the green light to reopen as long as they follow strict rules.
Wednesday is the city's soft opening, which will be followed by May 15's opening of bars, restaurants, government offices, parks and zoos.
As of May 6, any nonessential business that does not have public guests can open at full capacity, so long as social distancing measures are in place. Salons and smaller retail stores can open, too, but they must follow Mayor Quinton Lucas's 10-10-10 rule.
The rule states that businesses can only allow 10 percent capacity or 10 people inside. It also suggests that businesses gather contact information for patrons who are in an establishment longer than 10 minutes.
Roca Salon and Spa was one of the salons that opened its doors Wednesday morning. Owner Rhonda Cavner said the business is following the 10-10-10 rule by only allowing 10 percent of its occupancy or 10 people inside at once.
"You want to just make sure that you're opening as safe as possible," Cavner said.
Employees and customers are required to wear masks and gloves. Cavner said the salon has masks and gloves for clients who do not bring them. She also had barriers installed between hair-washing stations and said salon employees are conducting extra disinfecting and cleaning.
Cavner said she had clients booking appointments as soon as they could.
"It feels so amazing," Cavner said. "Everyone is excited to be here, clients and employees alike."
Stylist Emily Freeman said she appreciates her bosses taking extra steps to keep employees safe.
"I feel really good, it's really nice to be back in the salon and to see everyone," Freeman said. "Obviously, life is a little different now, but I'm willing to adapt for all of our safety."
Cavner said she is looking forward to the day she can have a full salon, but for now, she is excited to see her clients again and be back to work.
Other nonessential businesses such as bars, restaurants, government offices, zoos and parks can open May 15.
Lucas said there is a reason some businesses can open earlier than others.
"We need to make sure we're getting it right," Lucas said. "I think for everything that is open today in Kansas City, we're able to say, 'Alright, well this makes sense. This is low traffic. It's low volume, and so therefore there isn't that threat of spread."
Lucas recently amended the third part of his 10-10-10 rule, which originally required people to sign in at businesses where they spent 10 minutes or more. Now, Lucas said it is voluntary, but he hopes people will still do it since it is one of the best ways for contact tracing.
