A hair stylist in Missouri exposed 91 people to coronavirus by going into work for eight days despite showing symptoms for the illness.
The stylist, who was not identified, had contact with 84 customers and seven of her Great Clips coworkers, according to Clay Goddard, director of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. The stylist worked May 12 through Wednesday and tested positive for covid-19, but the worker’s current condition is unclear.
The patient is believed to have contracted the virus while traveling in another part of the state.
Goddard during a news conference Friday emphasized a similar outbreak could place a significant amount of strain on the state’s medical facilities.
“The hair stylist worked while sick,” he said. “I’m gong to be honest with you: We can’t have many more of these.”
Goddard said the stylist, other workers and customers in the salon were wearing masks.
Under Missouri’s pandemic reopening, hair salons are now allowed to welcome customers.
Goddard additionally warned residents who may have recently visited some of the same locations as the stylist — including a Dairy Queen, a Walmart and a CVS pharmacy — to be on the look for out covid-19 symptoms and to isolate if necessary.
"A second hairdresser working at Great Clips in Springfield, Missouri, has tested positive for COVID-19. The stylist potentially exposed 56 clients."https://t.co/ABKF7W2Pfy
— Steve Lookner (@lookner) May 23, 2020
The co-owners of the Great Clips location told KYTV that the employee “is following medical advice and taking appropriate actions.” The salon was closed for sanitizing and deep cleaning, but has since reopened, they said.
Goddard praised the hair cuttery’s response and said that it’s “safe to go there” now.
