Skip to Main Content
How to Stay Safe as Salons and Gyms Get Back in Business

How to Stay Safe as Salons and Gyms Get Back in Business

Posted in: Blogs , English

Because the situation surrounding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, some information may not be up to date. Stay informed by following information from your local officials and by visiting the CDC website.

In an executive order issued on May 6, Texas Governor Greg Abbott expanded the openings of several businesses and activities to further restart the economy during the pandemic. As part of this most recent order, gyms and salons are allowed to open as early as May 18th. But did you know these businesses have to abide by certain stipulations to ensure they are operating safely?

How Salons Are Staying Safe

Under the governor’s order, “salons” includes barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, and tanning salons. Depending on the type of salon, different precautions may be needed to keep employees and patrons safe. In general, here’s what you can expect:

  • Abbot recommends that salons use an appointment system to limit the number of customers in their store at one time.

  • If they do accept walk-ins, those customers should wait outside or only wait inside if there is enough space to practice social distancing.

  • All stylist stations should be 6 feet apart.


  • Both stylists and customers are strongly recommended to wear masks.

Recommendations for Staying Safe at the Gym

As with salons, there’s a lot of variety with gyms, including traditional gyms as well as yoga and pilates studios, spinning classes, or dance academies. Here’s how the guidelines affect these businesses:

  • Gyms must limit their capacity and keep their showers and locker rooms closed, although restrooms can remain open.

  • All equipment must be disinfected after each use.

  • Customers should wear gloves that cover the entire hands, including the fingers.

  • All customers should maintain social distancing.

  • If customers bring their own equipment, such as a yoga mat, it should be disinfected before and after each use.

Making the Right Decision for You

While these businesses are now open, if you are immunocompromised, elderly, or just more comfortable maintaining greater social distance by staying at home, you can continue working out virtually using some of the resources you may have become accustomed to since March. Take a walk or a run in a low-populated area, or you can try some of our Run Club resources, a way to stay in shape and keep up a running routine from home. These businesses will be ready to welcome you when you feel safe to get back to normal life.

In the meantime, trust that you don’t have to put your healthcare on hold during this time. Our facilities are open to the community and ready to provide safe, expert care for those who need it. No matter what comes our way, you can count on the team at St. Joseph Health. We are here, always.

Find a doctor to schedule an appointment today.

Recent Updates

8 Colorectal Cancer Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

APR 03, 2023

Learn about colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the US. Despite being preventable, cases among people under 50 are increasing. Discover the truth behind common myths about this cancer and how to protect yourself

Read More Additional information about 8 Colorectal Cancer Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

9 Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Your Next Checkup

MAR 16, 2023

Going to the doctor can be stressful. Don't forget to ask questions! No issue is too small to discuss, and good communication is key for good care. Bring a list of questions to your appointment.

Read More Additional information about 9 Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Your Next Checkup | St. Joseph Health

Find a Doctor


Looking for a doctor? Perform a quick search by name or browse by specialty.

Learn the Stroke Facts