A Dunedin hairdresser has made the ‘‘difficult decision’’ to close its doors for two weeks, in hopes of preventing the spread of Covid-19.
Aurum Hairstylists and Barbers co-owners Ria and Sonna Reihana decided after a team meeting yesterday morning they would close their salon until April 1.
Mrs Reihana said the decision was not made lightly and would negatively affect the business, but was necessary for staff and the community.
‘‘Others have family members who are vulnerable.’’
The salon sees 100 to 150 people every week and would have a high risk of spreading the virus.
‘‘We’re a very busy salon. We have three full-time hair stylists who are always fully booked so lots of cancellations had to be made.
‘‘Every person we’ve called has been very understanding and said we’ve made the right choice.’’
She said even with the strictest hygiene practices, ‘‘it would be impossible to know for sure that we are not exposing our team, as well as unknowingly exposing the community’’.
The salon would take a financial hit as a result.
‘‘Money is not part of our ‘why’ in this business.
‘‘Making money is a bonus but we take care of our people and that’s the most important thing.’’
The salon would continue to reassess the situation in order to decide whether it would open after April 1.
