Two Coronavirus Positive Hairstylists did not Spread Coronavirus Despite Treating 140 Clients Thanks to The Use of PPE Equipment

Great Clips in Springfield, USA where two Missouri hairstylists saw 140 clients while experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

Two Missouri hairstylists, who were later revealed to be COVID-19 positive, did not cause any new coronavirus infections, despite being around seven other employees and 140 clients, thanks to their use of PPE equipment. 

The hairstylists, who work at Great Clips in Springfield, USA, were experiencing coronavirus symptoms at the time. Despite this, no other employees or clients developed any signs of the coronavirus infection. Of the individuals exposed, 46 were tested for COVID-19, with all tests returning negative. Using contact tracing, all others, who had not received a test, quarantined for the 14 day incubation period. These individuals were called on a daily basis, in order to evaluate their health condition. Surprisingly, there were no reports of COVID-19 symptoms, despite the exposure to the virus. 

It is believed that the salon’s social distancing methods, coupled with staggered appointments and mandatory face coverings, successfully prevented the virus from spreading. Additionally, as the salon kept exceptionally up-to-date and detailed records of their clients, it allowed contact tracing to be possible. As there were no new infections, it highlights the importance of containment measures and the benefits associated with contact tracing and self isolation following exposure. 

The county’s director of health, Clay Goddard, stated, “This is exciting news about the value of masking to prevent Covid-19. We are studying more closely the details of these exposures, including what types of face coverings were worn and what other precautions were taken to lead to this encouraging result."

Occurrences such as this also provide additional insight into the spread of coronavirus and help to improve our understanding into the effectiveness of various containment measures. Earlier in June a study, in Lancet medical journal, found that the change of transmission without a face mask was 17.4%, while that fell to 3.1% when a mask was worn. In response to this study, and similar research, many nations are encouraging their general public to wear masks where possible. This includes the United Kingdom, where masks became mandatory in enclosed public places in July.