As barbershops, clothing stores, parks, gyms and other small businesses begin to reopen, the threat of the coronavirus pandemic remains for many. 

“Have you been sick, and have you been around anyone who has tested positive for coronavirus?” Melody Cothran  asks a customer before they enter Terry’s Family Barber in Flowood. When the customers are cleared to enter the shop, they are given hand sanitizer and the barbers sanitize their chairs, wear masks and change their disposable gloves.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced May 11 that barbershops and salons could reopen, but only with safety guidelines in place. Although the “Safer-at-Home” order remains in place until May 25, the governor announced on Friday that more businesses could resume operation.

“We are very happy to be here, our customers are happy to be here,” Mike Cothran, owner of Terry’s Family Barber, said. “We’re happy to be open because we can provide for our families and pay our bills.” 

Before entering the barbershop, screening has to take place and the business has to be cleaned and sanitized. Also, hand sanitizers must be at the entrance and chairs have to be rearranged to ensure that customers are 6 feet apart. The barber or stylist must sanitize their stations after each customer.

On Ellis Avenue, Valencia White, owner of Boss Lady’s Luxury Virgin Hair, would typically have several customers at different stations in the salon. Having more customers simultaneously receiving services generates more revenue, however regulations only allow one customer at a time. White is just thankful that her business is back to making money.

“We went from making money daily to not making money at all, so it has definitely been rough,” White said. “We are thankful that we are able to reopen, but it’s kinda of slow.”

“It’s kind of hectic trying to do hair or curl hair with gloves on, but we still have to do it,” White said. “Even though we are able to reopen and make money, it’s not the same money that we could make like when we were full service, so money is limited.” 

Not only is she concerned about the slow income, the threat of pandemic reaches outside of her business and into her personal life. “We are being cautious with the virus because we don’t want to take it home to our families,” White added.

Earlier this month, Reeves reopened the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir and parks around the state. As of Monday, May 18, Mississippi has 11,432 cases and 528 deaths.

“None of these reopening efforts means that the danger is gone,” Reeves said on Friday in announcing that casinos would be allowed to reopen May 21.  

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Photo essay: Salons, barbershops, parks and businesses reopen

by Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today
May 19, 2020

<h1>Photo essay: Salons, barbershops, parks and businesses reopen</h1> <p class="byline">by Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today <br />May 19, 2020</p> <p>As barbershops, clothing stores, parks, gyms and other small businesses begin to reopen, the threat of the coronavirus pandemic remains for many.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Have you been sick, and have you been around anyone who has tested positive for coronavirus?” Melody Cothran  asks a customer before they enter Terry’s Family Barber in Flowood. When the customers are cleared to enter the shop, they are given hand sanitizer and the barbers sanitize their chairs, wear masks and change their disposable gloves.</p> <p>Gov. Tate Reeves announced May 11 that barbershops and salons could reopen, but only with safety guidelines in place. Although the "Safer-at-Home" order remains in place until May 25, the governor announced on Friday that more businesses could resume operation.</p> </p> <p>“We are very happy to be here, our customers are happy to be here,” Mike Cothran, owner of Terry’s Family Barber, said. “We’re happy to be open because we can provide for our families and pay our bills.” </p> </p> <p>Before entering the barbershop, screening has to take place and the business has to be cleaned and sanitized. Also, hand sanitizers must be at the entrance and chairs have to be rearranged to ensure that customers are 6 feet apart. The barber or stylist must sanitize their stations after each customer.</p> </p> <p>On Ellis Avenue, Valencia White, owner of Boss Lady's Luxury Virgin Hair, would typically have several customers at different stations in the salon. Having more customers simultaneously receiving services generates more revenue, however regulations only allow one customer at a time. White is just thankful that her business is back to making money.</p> </p> <p>"We went from making money daily to not making money at all, so it has definitely been rough,” White said. "We are thankful that we are able to reopen, but it's kinda of slow."</p> </p> <p>“It’s kind of hectic trying to do hair or curl hair with gloves on, but we still have to do it,” White said. “Even though we are able to reopen and make money, it’s not the same money that we could make like when we were full service, so money is limited.” </p> </p> <p>Not only is she concerned about the slow income, the threat of pandemic reaches outside of her business and into her personal life. “We are being cautious with the virus because we don’t want to take it home to our families,” White added.</p> </p> <p>Earlier this month, Reeves reopened the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir and parks around the state. As of Monday, May 18, Mississippi has 11,432 cases and 528 deaths.</p> <p>“None of these reopening efforts means that the danger is gone,” Reeves said on Friday in announcing that <a href="https://mississippitoday.org/2020/05/15/gov-tate-reeves-reopens-tattoo-parlors-casinos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">casinos would be allowed to reopen</a> May 21.  </p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631630" data-id="631630" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221304/MG_4171-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Customers wait to enter the Terry's Family Barber in Flowood, Miss., Thursday, May 14, 2020. Before entering, Melody Cothran checks temperatures and provides hand sanitizer for customers. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631628" data-id="631628" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221313/MG_4115-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Hand sanitizer is available for staff members and customers Terry's Family Barber.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631629" data-id="631629" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221309/MG_4166-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Jordan Young, left, stands next to his grandmother, Deborah Downing, as they wait to enter Terry's Family Barber.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631626" data-id="631626" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221322/MG_4101-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Mike Cothran, owner of Terry's Family Barber, puts on a new pair of gloves before cutting a customer's hair. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631627" data-id="631627" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221318/MG_4103-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Renee Beard wears a mask as she cuts a customer's hair at Terry's Family Barber.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631632" data-id="631632" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221254/MG_4233-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Customers get their haircuts at Terry's Family Barber in Flowood, Miss., Thursday, May 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631633" data-id="631633" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221250/MG_4240-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Terry's Family Barber in Flowood, Miss., Thursday, May 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-634330" data-id="634330" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221149/MG_4656-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Valencia White, owner of Boss Lady's Luxury Virgin Hair, styles Sherrell Lewis' hair at the salon on Ellis Avenue in Jackson, Miss., Monday, May 18, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-634412" data-id="634412" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221129/MG_4641-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Aletha Cattenhead, left, styles Tionna Nickles' hair at Boss Lady's Luxury Virgin Hair on Ellis Avenue in Jackson, Miss., Monday, May 18, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-634328" data-id="634328" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221158/MG_4551-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">William Bell cuts Jordan Brown's hair Manolo's Barber Shop, located inside of the Northpark Mall, in Ridgeland, Miss., Monday, May 18, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-634329" data-id="634329" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221154/MG_4585-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">William Bell cuts Jordan Brown's hair Manolo's Barber Shop, located inside of the Northpark Mall, in Ridgeland, Miss., Monday, May 18, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-634326" data-id="634326" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221208/MG_4449-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Ed'e Laws puts finishing touches on Eric Mathis' haircut at the Hairshow Barbershop Monday, May 18, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-609349" data-id="609349" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06223135/MG_9787-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Cheryl Haley assists a customer in a curbside pickup transaction at Dick's Sporting Goods Thursday, April 23, 2020, at the Dogwood Festival Market in Flowood, Miss. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631623" data-id="631623" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221331/MG_4056-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A man wipes the sweat from his forehead as he takes a break from fishing at the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631624" data-id="631624" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221326/MG_4061-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">People gather at the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir to catch fish. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631622" data-id="631622" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221335/MG_4024-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A man visits the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-634388" data-id="634388" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221136/MG_4800-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Daniel King does a tricep exercise at Anytime Fitness in Flowood, Miss., Monday, May 18, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-634387" data-id="634387" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221140/MG_4777-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Steps for keeping the gym clean and sanitized is written of a dry-erase board that hangs on the wall of Anytime Fitness in Flowood, Miss., Monday, May 18, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631636" data-id="631636" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221240/MG_3756-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Customers shop at Belk in Flowood, Miss., Thursday, May 14, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631618" data-id="631618" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221344/MG_3695-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Customers wait to enter T.J. Maxx in Flowood, Miss. Monday, May 11, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631621" data-id="631621" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221339/MG_3728-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Jim King browses the men's section inside of Belk in Flowood, Miss. Monday, May 11, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-631617" data-id="631617" src="https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06221348/MG_3686-scaled.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Customers leave T.J. Maxx in Flowood, Miss. Monday, May 11, 2020.</figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>This &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mississippitoday.org/2020/05/19/photo-essay-salons-barbershops-parks-and-businesses-reopen/&quot;&gt;article&lt;/a&gt; first appeared on &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mississippitoday.org&quot;&gt;Mississippi Today&lt;/a&gt; and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.&lt;img src=&quot;https://cdn.mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/06074517/MT_icon-logo-favicon-1-200x200.png&quot; style=&quot;width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;&quot;&gt;&lt;img id=&quot;republication-tracker-tool-source&quot; src=&quot;https://mississippitoday.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=631707&amp;amp;ga4=G-VSX4B701MS&quot; style=&quot;width:1px;height:1px;&quot;&gt;&lt;script&gt; PARSELY = { autotrack: false, onload: function() { PARSELY.beacon.trackPageView({ url: &quot;https://mississippitoday.org/2020/05/19/photo-essay-salons-barbershops-parks-and-businesses-reopen/&quot;, urlref: window.location.href }); } } &lt;/script&gt; &lt;script id=&quot;parsely-cfg&quot; src=&quot;//cdn.parsely.com/keys/mississippitoday.org/p.js&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;</p> Copy to Clipboard

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