Returning to ‘the new normal’
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
Mon Valley residents who’ve been cooped up as a result of stay-at-home orders and the economic shutdown were finally able to get out Friday.
Allegheny, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties all moved to the green phase of the state’s reopening plan Friday. As a result, bars, restaurants, gyms, massage services, hair and nails salons, casinos and theaters were allowed to open.
But it’s still not quite business as usual as the facilities are required to operate under limited capacities and within certain restrictions and guidelines from the state Department of Health, Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pennsylvania residents have been taking to social media for months to talk about how much they wish they could get a haircut and/or get their roots dyed.
On Friday, Snoballs Hair and Tanning Salon at Tri County Plaza in Rostraver Township started making those wishes come true.
Nina Stobaugh Simon, owner of the salon, said she is “so super excited” Westmoreland County is in the green phase.
“I’m so happy to hold scissors again. I’m so excited to run my fingers through my clients hair again and see everyone’s smiling faces,” she said.
The salon has been closed for three months as a result of businesses being shut down during the state’s red and yellow phases.
“This is not only my passion but it’s my family,” she said. “My clients come every five, six weeks and I’ve always said I’m so blessed because I get to see my family and friends and they have to pay me. I’m so excited that I get to see my family and friends again.
“I can tell you my girls have educated themselves (about coronavirus mitigation tactics) the entire time we have been off and I think we’re coming back bigger and better than ever.”
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