Native tattoo parlors modify to COVID-19 with strict tips, security guidelines
by Olivia Murray
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Native tattoo parlors have made adjustments to their workspaces and processes to maintain artists and prospects secure within the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donna Phillips of Stick Tattoo and Patty Loy-Colebank of Patty’s Artwork Spot are Morgantown-based tattoo artists who’ve carried out extra sterility and security protocols upon the reopening of their retailers after the government-mandated stay-at-home order was lifted earlier this yr.
“We had been shut down for six weeks,” mentioned Loy-Colebank. “We had been very busy previous to closing. We’re simply as busy now, nevertheless it took some time to get caught up on all of the those who had appointments that had been displaced. Thankfully, many individuals had been nonetheless nervous to come back in, in order that made it simpler to schedule those who acquired missed.”
Stick Tattoo was closed for almost two months, in accordance with Phillips. Previous to the shutdown, Stick Tattoo “had a little bit extra cancellations than ordinary” as a consequence of rising concern in the neighborhood, “however [business] was nonetheless fairly typical,” added Phillips.
“We are actually the busiest we’ve ever been,” Phillips mentioned.
To securely accommodate returning patrons and newly events through the pandemic, Loy-Colebank, Phillips and their coworkers have elevated security measures of their retailers.
“Since our job has all the time been about holding the purchasers secure and avoiding cross-contamination, we didn’t need to make plenty of adjustments,” Loy-Colebank mentioned. “The largest is simply limiting the variety of folks within the store and sporting the masks always.”
Moreover, Loy-Colebank mentioned workers of Patty’s Artwork Spot have been sanitizing ready and high-traffic areas steadily, and the store is now not permitting prospects to carry friends into the store for his or her appointments.
Related practices are being exercised at Stick Tattoo.
“It really has made our job a lot simpler,” Phillips mentioned. “Particularly since folks can’t carry different folks with them to their appointments. Our store agrees that we must always hold these requirements without end, even after the masks mandate is over.”
“Most individuals complain concerning the masks,” mentioned Loy-Colebank. “However should you discover the correct one that matches your face and lets you discuss, you get used to it actually quick.”
Phillips believes the protocols employed at Stick Tattoo are “completely” efficient.
“There isn’t a lot of an possibility for tattooers,” Phillips mentioned of working through the pandemic. “We’re taking each precaution whereas we work. With that, I’ve not felt like I used to be unsafe in my working scenario.”
Loy-Colebank is grateful she is ready to proceed her work via the pandemic.
“I felt actually good about having a household practitioner and somebody from the CDC are available and get tattooed throughout this pandemic,” Loy-Colebank mentioned. “I feel it speaks volumes for the way snug we make folks really feel about our security practices.”
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