NEW ALBANY, Ind — At Strandz Salon and Threadz Boutique in New Albany, co-owner Stefanie Griffith promises all her customers will be greeted with a smile. The promise still hasn't changed during the coronavirus pandemic, as she now dons a face mask with a cartoon smile over her covered mouth.
"We smile underneath our masks," Griffith said.
But these days, Griffith has even more of a reason to smile. Her salon opened back up Monday with some new changes to promote safety. Everyone inside her space is required to wear a mask and there is a limit on how many people are allowed to be inside at one time.
"It truly is like a speakeasy. We got our front door locked," she said. "People have to check in and then we text them when the stylist is completely sanitized or the last client has left."
These new changes do come with a cost, and after losing out on several weeks of cash flow, that can be tough for Griffith and other business owners.
"With those masks, I mean it was hard to find the disposable masks under $2," she said. "It was like, 'Oh my gosh, what are we going to do?'"
The City of New Albany and Develop New Albany are trying to help by partnering together to give businesses "reopening kits." These kits include hand sanitizer made by Huber's Winery and Sazerac, PPE like face masks and shields, and even signs and decals to help promote social distancing.
"There will be some actual nice vinyl floor tape that will have writing on it that says '6 feet apart,'" New Albany council member Jason Applegate said.
Applegate, one of the drivers behind this program, said the goal is to help alleviate some of the costs for business owners while also encouraging customers to return safely.
"We want to tell you that we are practicing social distancing, that we have hand sanitizer and we are cleaning our areas," he said. "So we're doing our part so pelase do your part."
Griffith said she has already received several face shields and masks.
"It has been huge to help us get back on our feet," Griffith said.
While these kits will help businesses prevent the spread of the virus, New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan is reminding Hoosiers to keep practicing social distancing and proper hygiene.
“Let’s not forget what we have learned: In public, stay 6 feet apart, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you are sick or if you have symptoms. We can reopen safely if we try," Gahan said.
To request a kit for your business, follow this link.
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