N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Cosmetologists seek lift of lockdown for industry or financial aid

The head of the cosmetology association for the province says hair salons and spas are being unfairly targeted for shutdown.

Under the revised Level 3 of the COVID-19 winter plan, which took effect Friday at 11:59 p.m., hair salons and spas must remain closed until at least Jan. 31.

Gaye Cail, executive director of the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick, says salons and spas follow strict hygiene protocols, making them safer spaces than retail outlets.

"You know, you can still go to a retail store that has 50 per cent capacity, but there could be 500 people in that store at a mall," she said.

"They don't require the person coming in to be double vaccinated. … You could try on a pair of pants that three other people have tried on. So it just doesn't seem fair that we follow all of these safety protocols constantly, not just from the Public Health, but also from the cosmetology association, and we still are not allowed to remain open."

The association has started an online petition addressed to Premier Blaine Higgs, calling for cosmetologists to be allowed to reopen or receive "adequate and accessible financial support" so they can "feed [their] families and keep [their] businesses afloat."

"Don't brush us off," it states. As of early Tuesday afternoon, the petition has garnered nearly 7,800 signatures.

Many of the association's 8,000 members are self-employed and don't qualify for provincial financial aid.

The small business recovery grant program has been extended until the end of February and the amount eligible businesses can apply for has increased to $10,000, which is double the previous amount. But to qualify, businesses must employ between two and 99 full-time equivalent staff.

The Liberals have called on the government to expand the criteria to ensure all self-employed small businesses owners, and those with fewer than two staff members, are eligible.

Higgs and Opportunities New Brunswick officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

There is federal support available, offering $300 a week, said Cail.

"But you know, when you're trying to run a business, you have your own business bills, but you also have your personal bills. Three hundred dollars a week is is not enough to survive."

The Horizon Health Network is seeking cleaning staff for its facilities across the province, with the "most immediate need" in the Saint John area.