Barbershop installs curtains, will require temperature checks upon reopening

“It’s been a rough two months,” said Padilla, who estimates his losses at more than $20,000. “Depression is almost kicking in.”

The shop on Chatham Street closed on March 22 after Gov. Roy Cooper ordered barbershops, nail salons and other businesses to close to keep in line with social distancing rules. Padilla and other hair care businesses will be allowed to reopen under Phase 2, which the governor said on Monday could happen by the end of this week.

“Anything we can do to re-open, we’re ready,” said Padilla.

Padilla says he has spent $1,200 on safeguards for customers, including the installation of plastic curtains between barber chairs, signage inside and outside the shop and face masks, gloves and face shields for all barbers.

Customers will be required to make an appointment, wait outside, have their temperature checked and wash their hands before getting a haircut.

“Whatever we get, we’ll take and in the meantime we just want to create that safety, especially mentally to make people feel safe when they come into The Right Cut Barbershop,” Padilla said.

Padilla said he is willing to comply with any further restrictions required by the governor’s order.