Mississippi tattoo parlors allowed to re-open under health guidelines

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Gov. Reeves has given the go-ahead for Mississippi tattoo parlors to begin opening back up.

“I signed a new executive order today,” Reeves said Friday. “It allows tattoo parlors to re-open with health guidelines that are very similar to those for salons and barbers.”

Reeves says his decision to open tattoo parlors is apart of his effort to show that there is no such thing as a nonessential business “to those workers who rely on its paycheck for food and shelter."

The rules are as follows:

For businesses:

• Before they can reopen, the tattoo parlor must be deep-cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized top to bottom. After opening, tattoo parlors must be deep-cleaned daily.
• All tattoo parlors are expected to take every step necessary to implement the regulations, orders, and guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Services are allowed only by appointment. No walk-in customers at this time.
• Minimizing person-to-person contact through technology, like mobile or online reservations and contact-less payment, is encouraged.
• Tattoo parlors must post signage at each entrance stating no customer with a fever or COVID-19 symptoms are allowed in.
• Only one customer per employee is allowed in the tattoo parlor at any given time.
• Tattooing and piercing around the mouth and nose are prohibited.
• Chairs are to be rearranged to ensure at least 6 feet between each customer.
• Chair and workstations must be sanitized after each use by a customer.
• All high-touch areas must be sanitized at least once every two hours.
• Hand sanitizer must be placed at all entrances.

For employees:

• All employees will be screened daily at the beginning of their shifts, including asking whether they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have they had a fever in the last 48 hours.
• All employees must be provided training on how to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Face coverings must be provided to all employees who come in direct contact with customers. Employees are encouraged to wear face shields while tattooing a customer.
• Employees must also wear disposable gloves and change them between customers, as well as wash their hands between every customer.

For customers:

• All waiting areas are to remain closed. Customers must wait in their vehicles until their appointment time and they are called for screening before entering.
• Customers must sanitize their hands when entering and exiting.
• All customers must be screened upon entry.
• Customers must wear a face covering, such as a cloth mask, while inside at all times.

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