COVID-19 Guidance: Personal Service Settings

Last updated: August 18, 2020 at 4:35 p.m.

The information on this page provides you with what you need to know to re-open a personal service setting.

This guidance is to support owners/operators of personal services settings to protect everyone from COVID-19. Personal service settings (PSS) include hairstyling and barbering, tattooing, micropigmentation, ear and body piercing, electrolysis, nail salons, and aesthetic services. For information on reopening businesses and workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the 4-Step Public Health Planning Guide.

All personal service settings must comply with the provincial Reopening Ontario Act, the PSS Regulation, and Toronto Public Health guidance. Revised or updated guidance may be issued at any time. Please check our website periodically for updates.

Mandatory Mask or Face Covering Bylaw

Effective July 7, 2020, the use of non-medical masks or face coverings is required in all indoor public spaces, as per a new City of Toronto bylaw. Operators are required to develop a policy and protocols on the wearing of masks. Refer to the guidance on mask and face covering bylaw for a sample policy that your organization can adapt. Train staff on the new policy, including who is exempt, and how to safely wear a cloth mask or face covering. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Transmission

Respiratory transmission: COVID-19 is an illness that is spread mainly from person-to-person through close contact from respiratory droplets of someone with COVID-19. The respiratory droplets can travel up to two metres/six feet when we cough, sneeze or talk.

Contaminated surfaces: It is possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. This new coronavirus can survive on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours.

Protective Measures to Keep Everyone Safe

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Keep a two metre/six feet distance from others, when possible.
  • Wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Wear a face mask or covering when you are in an indoor public setting.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Promote Healthy Behaviours

Practice Physical Distancing

  • Walk through the premises to identify areas that may need adjustments to reduce the spread of COVID-19, based on public health requirements.
  • Limit the number of clients allowed on the premises for ease of movement to ensure two metres/six feet of distance from others.
  • Inform clients about the changes you have made to protect them against COVID-19, including by posting signs, updating information to your website or voice mail, etc.
  • Limit entrances to control staff and clients entering the premises at any given time.
  • Limit client appointments to allow adequate space to maintain physical distancing.
  • Do not allow clients to bring guests to the appointment, including children.
  • Post physical distancing signs at all entrances, by cashiers or service counters.
  • Provide visible cues such as tape, stickers or safety cones every two metres/six feet for clients lining up when waiting outside.
  • Place markers or circles indoors so the clients know where to stand when interacting with staff.
  • Remove non-essential furniture to allow ease of movement for physical distancing.
  • Install plexiglass/barriers if possible, where there will be close contact between staff and clients; for example, between workstations and at the checkout. Note: this does not reduce the requirement for staff to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e. medical/surgical mask and eye protection, such as goggles or face shields), and for clients to wear masks/coverings.
  • Do not host clients in a waiting area. Ask clients to wait outside until instructed to enter.
  • Walk-in clients must also call from outside the premises and wait until instructed to enter.
  • Staff should remind clients to stay two metres/six feet apart, as much as possible.
  • Discourage staff from gathering together in lunchroom/common areas.
  • Use tap features at checkout instead of cash, where possible.

Promote proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

  • Provide hand sanitizer (70-90% alcohol concentration) in a dispenser for staff and clients to use.
  • Encourage clients to use hand sanitizer when they enter the premise.
  • Continue to top up the supply of soap and paper towels throughout the day.
  • Post Hand Washing, Cover your Cough and Hand Sanitizing signs in highly visible locations.
  • Educate staff on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:
    • Wash hands frequently with liquid soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Clean hands before and after the handling of PPE and after each interaction.
    • Cover cough or sneeze with the elbow or a tissue. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash hands.

Facilitate clients’ proper use of masks or face coverings

  • All clients must wear a non-medical mask or face covering when indoors and/or receiving service except while receiving services on an area of the face that would be covered by a non-medical mask or face covering.
  • If possible, provide disposable masks for clients who have not brought their own.
  • Not all clients are able to tolerate a mask and may be exempted from the bylaw. Masks or face coverings should not be used by children under the age of two, and anyone who has trouble breathing.
  • Businesses are not required (or permitted) to ask for proof of an exemption.
  • Consider alternative ways to provide services to clients who are unable to wear a mask. For example, providing service at the end of the day, without other clients present, or the use of barriers (e.g. plexiglass), and maintain physical distance when possible.

Train staff on proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and masks or face coverings

  • Educate staff on the proper use of non-medical masks or face coverings. All staff must wear a non-medical mask or face covering unless they are in an enclosed area that is not accessible to members of the public, as per the City bylaw. Staff may remove their mask in an area not accessible by the public (e.g. lunch room/private office).
  • Staff must use PPE when providing personal services to a client who is exempted from wearing a mask, and when providing services to the face when the client is temporarily not wearing a mask.
  • Wearing PPE will protect staff from the respiratory droplets of others who are not masked. A non-medical mask or face covering is insufficient, and is not an appropriate form of PPE.
  • A face shield is not a substitute for a mask or face covering.
  • Staff should receive training on proper use of PPE and the importance of other infection prevention and control measures (e.g. hand hygiene and enhanced cleaning and disinfection).
  • Staff must change their gloves when changing tasks and after every client, or more often, as necessary. Use of disposable gloves is not a substitute for proper hand hygiene.
  • When gloves are removed, new gloves must be used each time.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (70-90% alcohol concentration) before putting on and after taking off gloves.
  • When eye protection, such as goggles or face shields are used, they should be labelled to the assigned staff and disinfected between uses.
  • Staff should not share non-medical masks or face coverings or PPE.
  • Change masks when moist or dirty.

Maintain a Healthy Environment

Staff Health Screening and Attendance

  • Inform staff about the changes being made to protect them against COVID-19 by posting signage, updating information to the website or voice mail, etc.
  • Ensure all staff complete a health screening questionnaire before each shift. The questions can be completed on paper, online, or you can ask your staff directly.
  • Stagger or adjust working hours and shifts to reduce the number of staff on your premises at any one time.
  • Have a flexible sick policy so staff do not come to work ill.
  • Remind staff about the importance of reporting illness to their supervisor/manager.
  • If staff become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, while at work, they should go home right away and self-isolate. Instruct staff to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, their health care provider or an Assessment Centre to get tested.
  • In general, staff can return to work 14 days after their symptoms began if they had COVID-19.
  • There are no clearance tests required for staff to return to work.
  • For other illnesses, or if a staff has tested negative for COVID-19, they should not attend work until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours.

Client health screening

  • People with symptoms of COVID-19 should not be allowed into the premises.
  • Screen clients over the phone prior to booking an appointment.
  • Place self-screening posters at the entrance to ensure clients do not enter if they have COVID-19 symptoms. Ensure that clients are screened when they come for their scheduled appointments.
  • Offer to reschedule appointments for clients, when they are sick.

Maintain attendance records

  • Maintain attendance records of all staff and clients to support public health contact tracing efforts (i.e. name, date, time, email address or phone number) for 30 days.
  • If a staff member or client contracts COVID-19 and was contagious onsite, Toronto Public Health will investigate and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
  • Operators must make reasonable security arrangements to protect the personal information collected.
  • Personal information that is collected for COVID-19 contact tracing can only be used for this purpose.
  • Encourage staff and clients to download the COVID Alert app so they can be notified directly if they have been in close contact with someone who was contagious with COVID-19.

Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

  • Cleaning, disinfecting or sterilization of items should continue as indicated in the Personal Services Setting Regulation, including tools, equipment, shampoo bowls, manicure tables, chairs, workstations, etc., and other products after every use.
  • Ensure high-touch areas and all equipment are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before opening.
  • Remove magazines and soft/porous items such as cushions and rugs that are difficult to sanitize.
  • When scheduling appointments, allow additional time between clients for proper cleaning and disinfectant of workstations and equipment.
  • Ensure frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and common areas such as door handles, counters, cabinet doors, light switches, faucets, toilet handles, handrails, touch screen surfaces and keypads.
  • Where possible, use disposable, single-use supplies.
  • Most regular household cleaners and disinfectants are effective against COVID-19.
  • Use only disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN) that is approved for use in Canada. Check the expiry dates of products you use, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Laundry

  • Regular detergent can be used for laundering towels and linens.
  • Clean and disinfect laundry baskets and launder reusable bags between uses. Do not use the same basket to carry or store clean items.

Service-specific checklists are available for the following:

Download and Print Posters for your Workplace

Other Resources

Download this information as a PDF.

Resources:

Read the June 26, 2020 notice letter to body rub parlours and holistic centres.

This is a summary checklist of required measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while providing services. Please review the COVID-19 Guidelines for Personal Service Settings for more information on how to keep your staff and clients safe. Requirements under the Ontario Personal Service Settings Regulation 136/18 still apply.

Effective July 7, 2020, the use of non-medical masks or face coverings is required in all indoor public spaces, as per a new City of Toronto bylaw. Operators are required to develop a policy and protocols on the wearing of masks. Refer to the guidance on mask and face covering bylaw for a sample policy your organization can adapt. Train staff on the new bylaw policy, including who is exempt and how to safely wear a cloth mask or face covering. More information is available here.

A. Health Screening & Attendance

  • Staff are advised to report illness to their supervisor/manager and to stay home if sick.
  • Staff are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before starting each shift.
  • Staff are advised to go home right away and self-isolate if they become ill during a shift. Staff are advised to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or their health care provider for guidance on getting tested.
  • Clients with COVID-19 symptoms and/or who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 are not permitted to enter the premises.

B. Masks or Face Coverings & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Staff wear a mask/face covering at all times when indoors, including while providing personal services.
  • Staff are educated on the proper use of masks/face coverings, including how to clean or discard used masks, and to change masks/face coverings when they become damp or soiled.
  • PPE such as gloves, surgical/medical masks, and eye protection (face shield/goggles) are available in the premises for staff use when needed.
  • Staff are trained on the proper use of PPE.
  • Staff are instructed to use a surgical/medical mask and eye protection when providing services to clients unable to wear a mask/face covering or when providing services to a client’s face as they will not be wearing a mask.
  • Eye protection is assigned to every staff member, and cleaned and disinfected between clients.
  • Staff are trained on proper hand hygiene techniques and respiratory etiquette.

C. Signage at the Premises

D. Limit Clients in the Premises

  • Limit the number of people in the premises to allow for ease of movement while maintaining the two metre/six feet distancing.
  • Maximum number of clients permitted at one time is posted at the entrance of the premises.
  • Flexible staff schedules and staggered staff breaks and lunch hours, to limit the number of people in the premises at one time, is considered.

E. Maintain Records of Clients

  • Maintain attendance record of clients and contact information. Information collected are voluntary, and can only be used for COVID-19 contact tracing.
  • Operators to protect the personal information collected. Records are kept for 30 days, and then shredded.
  • Encourage staff and customers to download the COVID Alert app so they can be notified directly if they have been in close contact with someone who was contagious with COVID-19.

F. Scheduling Appointments

  • Clients are informed they are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times while indoors and while receiving personal services. For clients unable to tolerate a mask or face covering, schedule the appointment for the end of the day when there are no other clients on-site.
  • Client scheduling is encouraged by phone or online.
  • Signs are posted asking walk-in clients to call from outside the premises to make an appointment.
  • Waiting areas are closed off, and clients are instructed to wait outside the premises until their scheduled appointment.
  • Clients are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 when booking appointments and upon arrival at premises.
  • Clients are not permitted to bring guests, including children, unless they also have an appointment.
  • A daily record of staff and client attendance is maintained on-site, which includes contact information (e.g. full name, telephone number, email address) and time at the premises, for public health contact tracing purposes, should the need arise.
  • Ensure there is enough time between appointments for thorough cleaning and disinfection of equipment and workstations between clients.

G. Workstations

  • Workstations and equipment are two metres/six feet apart, or are equipped with plexiglass/other barriers with adequate height to ensure the protection between clients and staff.
  • Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with a minimum of 70% alcohol concentration is available at each workstation, and staff and clients are encouraged to use it frequently.
  • Magazines, brochures, decors and other unnecessary items are removed.
  • Workstations have their own products and tools, and are not shared between staff.

H. Personal Services

  • Masks/face coverings are worn by staff and clients at all times while indoors and when providing/receiving services, even when physical distancing or plexiglass/barriers are used.
  • Staff are instructed to use a surgical/medical mask and eye protection when providing services to clients unable to wear a mask/face covering or when providing services to a client’s face as they will not be wearing a mask.
  • All services tending to a customer’s face are now permitted, including facial hair grooming, face shaving, beard trimming, and face massages.
  • Food/beverages are not permitted.
  • Brushes are not permitted. Clean towels are used to remove cut hair.
  • Hair dryers are used only when staff and clients are wearing a mask or face covering.
  • Plexiglass/other barriers are installed in the checkout area, when physical distancing cannot been maintained.
  • Touchless payments such as credit/debit/e-transfers without signatures are preferred.
  • ABHR is used before and after each cash transaction.
  • Protective covers (e.g. apron) used over clothing are laundered after each shift.

I. Shampooing

  • Basins, hoses, spray nozzles, faucet handles, shampoo chairs, shampoo bottles and arm rests are cleaned and disinfected between clients.
  • Basin area where the client rests their neck is covered with a clean towel or disposable plastic.
  • Used towels are placed in a laundry bin, and disposable plastic is discarded in a garbage bin immediately after use.

J. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

  • All work surfaces and equipment are cleaned with soap and water before disinfection.
  • Disinfectants are used after cleaning surfaces and equipment, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Cleaning/disinfectant wipes are used for surfaces only, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Plexiglass/other barriers are stable enough for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Disposable covers are discarded immediately after use. Chairs, head/armrests and bottles must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.
  • High-touch surfaces such as phones, computer, cash register, credit card machine and door handles are cleaned and disinfected twice daily or more often as needed.
  • Used caps/gowns and towels are laundered with detergent and dried completely after each use. Store all clean items in closed cabinets or covered containers.
  • Washrooms are cleaned and disinfected at least twice a day, or more often, if needed.
  • Floors are gently swept to remove hair and dirt throughout the day. Use a wet mop at the end of the day.

 

Contact BodySafe@toronto.ca or visit our website at BodySafe.ca for more information.

Download this information as a PDF.

It is important operators, hairstylists and barbers providing personal grooming services to residents in long-term care homes (LTCH) and retirement homes (RH) comply with the preventative measures set out by Toronto Public Health to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

This summary checklist applies to personal service operators, and is not intended for health care workers providing personal care to residents. Please review the COVID-19 Guidelines for Personal Service Settings for more information on how to keep everyone safe.

Operators must also comply with COVID-19 policies set by LTCH or RH, and the requirements under the Ontario Personal Service Settings Regulation 136/18.

A. Health Screening & Attendance

  • Hair stylist/barber are screened before entering premises.
  • Hair stylist/barber go home right away and self-isolate if they become ill while in the LTCH/RH premises. Call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or a health care provider for advice on testing.

B. Mask Use for Source Control and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Stylist/barber wears a medical mask at all times when indoors, and for the duration of providing personal services to clients.
  • Stylist/barber understands the proper use of masks, including how to clean and change masks when they become damp or soiled.
  • Gloves, medical masks, face shield or goggles are available, when needed.
  • Every stylist/barber has assigned PPE, and are trained on the proper use of PPE.
  • Stylist/barber are instructed to use a medical mask and eye protection when providing services to clients unable to wear a mask/face covering or when providing services to a client’s face as they will not be wearing a mask.
  • Face shields are cleaned and disinfected between clients/residents.
  • Stylist/barber practices respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene techniques before and after using a medical masks or PPE.

C. Maintain Record of Clients

  • Stylist/barber do not enter the premises during an outbreak. All services are suspended during a facility outbreak.
  • Maintain attendance record of clients and their care provider. Information collected are voluntary, and can only be used for COVID-19 contact tracing.
  • Operators to protect the personal information collected. Records are kept for 30 days, and then shredded.
  • Encourage staff and clients/residents to download the COVID Alert app so they can be notified directly if they have been in close contact with someone who was contagious with COVID-19.

D. Scheduling Appointments

  • Appointments are scheduled by phone or online only.
  • Clients/residents are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival at the premises.
  • Clients/residents are aware that they must wear a medical mask while receiving personal services.
  • Stylist/barber wears appropriate PPE when clients are unable to wear a mask.
  • Stylist/barber calls the residents down once they are ready for a new client.
  • Time is allowed between appointments for thorough cleaning and disinfection of equipment and workstation.
  • A staff or healthcare worker of the LTCH or RH may accompany the resident, when assistance is needed.
  • A record of stylist/barber and client/resident attendance is maintained on-site, including resident names, room numbers and times receiving personal services. This information is available upon request by Toronto Public Health, for the purpose of contact tracing only.

E. Workstations

  • Workstations and equipment are equipped with plexiglass/other barriers with adequate height to ensure the protection between clients/residents and stylists/barbers, when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with a minimum of 70% alcohol concentration is available at each workstation, and stylists/barbers and clients are encouraged to use it frequently.
  • Magazines, brochures, décor, and other unnecessary items are removed.
  • Products and tools are not shared between stylists/barber.

F. Personal Services

  • Stylist/barber and client/resident wears a medical mask at all times while providing/receiving services, even when physical distancing or plexiglass/other barriers are used.
  • Stylist/barber are instructed to use a medical mask and eye protection when providing services to clients unable to wear a mask/face covering or when providing services to a client’s face as they will not be wearing a mask.
  • All services to the face are now permitted, including facial hair grooming, face shaving, beard trimming, and face massages.
  • Waiting areas are closed off.
  • Stylist/barber practices hand hygiene before and after providing a service and as necessary.
  • Food or beverages are not permitted while providing or receiving service.
  • Brushes are not permitted. Clean towels are used to remove cut hair.
  • Hair dryers are used only when stylist and client are both wearing a mask.
  • Plexiglass/other barriers are installed in areas where there may be close contact.
  • Touchless payments such as credit/debit/e-transfers without signatures are preferred.
  • ABHR is used before and after each cash transaction.

G. Shampooing

  • Basins, hoses, spray nozzles, faucet handles, shampoo chairs, shampoo bottles and arm rests are cleaned and disinfected between clients.
  • Clients/residents are not permitted to bring their own hair products into the premises.
  • Stylist/barber pours or pumps the required amount of shampoo and/or conditioner into a small disposable container (e.g. medication cup) before the arrival of each client. The unused portions with the cup are discarded after use.
  • Basin area where the client/resident rests their neck is covered with a clean towel or disposable plastic.
  • Used towels are placed in a lined laundry bin, and disposable plastic is discarded in a garbage bin immediately after use.

H. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

  • All work surfaces and equipment are cleaned with soap and water before disinfection.
  • Disinfectants are used after cleaning surfaces and equipment, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Cleaning/disinfectant wipes are used for surfaces only, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Plexiglass/other barriers are stable enough for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Disposable covers are discarded immediately after use.
  • Chairs, head/armrests and bottles are cleaned and disinfected between each client/resident.
  • High-touch surfaces such as phones, computer, cash register, credit card machine and door handles, are cleaned and disinfected twice daily, or more often as needed.
  • Used caps/gowns and towels are laundered with detergent and dried completely after each use. Clean items are stored in closed cabinets or covered containers.
  • Floors are gently swept to remove hair and dirt throughout the day. Use a wet mop with a low level disinfectant at the end of the day.

 

More Information

For more information about COVID-19, visit toronto.ca/COVID19. For information on personal care services visit BodySafe.ca or email us at BodySafe@toronto.ca.

Download this information as a PDF.

This is a summary checklist of required measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while providing services. Please review the COVID-19 Guidelines for Personal Service Settings for more information on how to keep your staff and clients safe. Requirements under the Ontario Personal Service Settings Regulation 136/18 still apply.

Effective July 7, 2020, the use of non-medical masks or face coverings is required in all indoor public spaces, as per a new City of Toronto bylaw. Operators are required to develop a policy and protocols on the wearing of masks. Refer to the guidance on mask and face covering bylaw for a sample policy your organization can adapt. Train staff on the new bylaw policy, including who is exempt and how to safely wear a cloth mask or face covering. More information is available here.

A. Health Screening & Attendance

  • Staff are advised to report illness to their supervisor/manager and to stay home if sick.
  • Staff are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before starting each shift.
  • Staff are advised to go home right away and self-isolate if they become ill during a shift. Staff are advised to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or their health care provider for guidance on getting tested.
  • Clients with COVID-19 symptoms and/or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, are not permitted to enter the premises.

B. Masks or Face Coverings & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Staff wear a mask/face covering at all times when indoors, and while providing personal services.
  • Staff are educated on proper use of masks/face coverings, including how to clean or discard used masks, and to change masks/face coverings when they become damp or soiled.
  • PPE such as gloves, surgical/medical masks, and eye protection (face shield/goggles) are available in the premises for staff use when needed.
  • Staff are trained on the proper use of PPE.
  • Staff are instructed to use a surgical/medical mask and eye protection when providing services to clients who unable to wear a mask/face covering or when providing services to the face as clients will not be wearing a mask.
  • Eye protection is assigned to every staff member, and cleaned and disinfected between clients.
  • Staff are trained on proper hand hygiene techniques and respiratory etiquette.

C. Signage at the Premises

D. Limit Clients in the Premises

  • Limit the number of people in the premises to allow for ease of movement while maintaining the two metre/six feet distancing.
  • Maximum number of clients permitted at one time is posted at the entrance of the premises.
  • Flexible staff schedules and staggered staff breaks and lunch hours, to limit the number of people in the premises at one time, is considered.

E. Maintain Record of Clients

  • Maintain attendance record of clients and contact information. Information collected are voluntary, and can only be used for COVID-19 contact tracing.
  • Operators to protect the personal information collected. Records are kept for 30 days, and then shredded.
  • Encourage staff and customers to download the COVID Alert app so they can be notified directly if they have been in close contact with someone who was contagious with COVID-19.

F. Scheduling Appointments

  • Clients are informed that they are required to wear a mask/face covering at all times while indoors and while receiving personal services. For clients unable to tolerate a mask/face covering, schedule the appointment for the end of the day when there are no other clients on-site.
  • Client scheduling is encouraged by phone or online.
  • Signs are posted asking walk-in clients to call from outside the premises to make an appointment.
  • Waiting areas are closed off, and clients are instructed to wait outside the premises until their scheduled appointment.
  • Clients screened for symptoms of COVID-19 when booking appointments and upon arrival at premises.
  • Clients are not permitted to bring guests, including children, unless they also have an appointment.
  • A daily record of staff and client attendance is maintained on-site, that includes contact information (e.g. full name, telephone number, email address) and time at the premises, for public health contact tracing purposes, should the need arise.
  • Ensure there is enough time between appointments for thorough cleaning and disinfection of equipment and workstations between clients.

G. Workstations

  • Workstations and equipment are two metres/six feet apart, or equipped with plexiglass/other barriers with adequate height to ensure the protection between clients and staff.
  • Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with a minimum of 70% alcohol concentration is available at each workstation, and staff and clients are encouraged to use it frequently.
  • Magazines, brochures, decors and other unnecessary items are removed.
  • Workstations have their own products and tools, and are not shared between staff.

H. Personal Services

  • Masks/face coverings are worn by staff and clients at all times while indoors and when providing/receiving services, even when physical distancing or plexiglass/other barriers are used.
  • Staff wear surgical/medical mask and eye protection when providing services to clients who are unable to wear a mask/face covering or when providing services to the face of a client, as a client will not be wearing a mask.
  • Food/beverages are not permitted.
  • Gloves are changed after each task and after every client (e.g. from manicures to aesthetic services) and/or when gloves are soiled.
  • Staff discard gloves immediately after use, and wash hands before putting on new gloves.
  • Single-use items (e.g. towels) are preferred, and discarded immediately after each client.
  • Touchless payments such as credit/debit/e-transfers without signatures are preferred.
  • Plexiglass/other barriers are installed in the checkout area, when physical distancing cannot been maintained.
  • ABHR is used before and after each cash transaction.
  • Protective covers (e.g. apron) used over clothing are laundered after each shift.

I. Manicures and Pedicures

  • Clients are required to wash their hands with soap and water or use ABHR before a manicure.
  • Clients are not permitted to touch/handle retail supplies, such as nail polish, when selecting colours.
  • Hand and foot massages are not recommended.
  • Nail dryers are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each client, allowing appropriate contact time of the disinfectant.

J. Aesthetics

  • Clients wear a mask/face covering for the duration of the services.
  • All services tending to a customer’s face are now permitted. This includes facials, facial hair grooming, eyebrow grooming, waxing, threading, eyelash grooming and treatments, makeup, microblading, microneedling, micropigmentation and microdermabrasion to the face.
  • Regulated health professionals providing cosmetic injectables must also comply with the Ontario COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart, Directive #2

K. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

  • All work surfaces and equipment are cleaned with soap and water before disinfection.
  • Disinfectants are used after cleaning surfaces and equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Cleaning/disinfectant wipes are used for surfaces only, in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Plexiglass/other barriers are stable enough for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Disposable covers are discarded immediately after use. Chairs, head/armrests, bottles, must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.
  • High-touch surfaces such as phones, computers, pens, cash registers, credit card machines and door handles are cleaned and disinfected twice daily or more often as needed.
  • Washroom surfaces are cleaned and disinfected twice daily or as often as necessary.

 

Contact BodySafe@toronto.ca or visit our website at BodySafe.ca for more information.

Download this information as a PDF.

This is a summary checklist of required measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please review the COVID-19 Guidelines for Personal Service Settings for more information on how to keep your staff and clients safe. Requirements under the Ontario Personal Service Settings Regulation 136/18 still apply. Contact BodySafe@toronto.ca or visit their website at BodySafe.ca for more information.

A. Health Screening & Attendance

  • Staff are advised to report illness to their supervisor/manager and to stay home if sick.
  • Staff are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before starting each shift.
  • Staff are advised to go home right away and self-isolate if they become ill during a shift. Staff are advised to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or their health care provider for guidance on getting tested.
  • Clients with COVID-19 symptoms and/or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, are not permitted to enter the premises.

B. Masks or Face Coverings & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Staff wear a mask/face covering at all times when indoors, and while providing personal services.
  • Staff are educated on proper use of masks/face coverings, including how to clean or discard used masks, and to change masks/face coverings when they become damp or soiled.
  • PPE such as gloves, surgical/medical masks, and eye protection (face shield/goggles) are available in the premises for staff use when needed.
  • Staff are trained on the proper use of PPE.
  • Staff are instructed to use a surgical/medical mask and eye protection when providing services to clients unable to wear a mask/face covering or when providing services to a client’s face as they will not be wearing a mask.
  • Eye protection is worn by staff when clients cannot tolerate wearing a mask/face covering.
  • Eye protection is assigned to every staff member, and cleaned and disinfected between each clients.
  • Staff are trained on proper hand hygiene techniques and respiratory etiquette.

C. Signage at the Premises

D. Limit Clients in the Premises

  • Limit the number of people in the premises to allow for ease of movement while maintaining the two metre/six feet distancing.
  • Maximum number of clients permitted at one time is posted at the entrance of the premises.
  • Flexible staff schedules and staggered staff breaks and lunch hours, to limit the number of people in the premises at one time, is considered.

E. Maintain Record of Clients

  • Maintain attendance record of clients and contact information. Information collected are voluntary, and can only be used for COVID-19 contact tracing.
  • Operators to protect the personal information collected. Records are kept for 30 days, and then shredded.
  • Encourage staff and customers to download the COVID Alert app so they can be notified directly if they have been in close contact with someone who was contagious with COVID-19.

F. Scheduling Appointments

  • Clients are informed that they are required to wear a mask/face covering at all times while indoors and while receiving personal services. For clients unable to tolerate a mask/face covering, schedule the appointment for the end of the day when there are no other clients on-site.
  • Client consultation and appointments are scheduled by phone or online.
  • Signs are posted asking walk-in clients to call from outside the premises to make an appointment.
  • Waiting areas are closed off and clients are instructed to wait outside of the premises until their scheduled appointment.
  • Clients are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 when booking appointments and upon arrival at appointment.
  • Clients are not permitted to bring guests, including children, unless they also have an appointment.
  • A daily record of staff and client attendance is maintained on-site, that includes contact information (e.g. full name, telephone number, email address) and time at the premises, for public health contact tracing purposes, should the need arise.
  • Ensure there is enough time between appointments for thorough cleaning and disinfection of equipment and workstations between clients.

G. Workstations

  • Workstations and equipment are two metre/six feet apart or equipped with plexiglass/other barriers with adequate height to ensure the protection between clients and staff.
  • Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with a minimum of 70% alcohol concentration is available at each workstation, and staff and clients are encouraged to use it frequently.
  • Magazines, tattoo/piercing books, brochures, decor and other unnecessary items are removed.
  • Workstations have their own products and tools, and are not shared between staff.

H. Personal Services

  • Mask/face coverings are worn by staff and clients at all times while indoors and when providing/receiving services, even when physical distancing or plexiglass/other barriers are used.
  • Staff wear surgical/medical mask and eye protection when providing services to clients who are unable to wear a mask/face covering or when providing services to the face, as clients will not be wearing masks.
  • All services tending to a customer’s face are now permitted. This includes ear piercing, tattoos and piercings on the face and neck.
  • Food/beverages are not permitted.
  • Clients are not permitted to handle stencils, ink or jewellery. A two metre/six foot distance or a barrier/divider should be used when viewing items.
  • Gloves are changed after each task, and after every client and/or when gloves are soiled.
  • Staff discard gloves immediately after use, and wash hands before putting on new gloves.
  • Single-use items are preferred, and discarded immediately after each client.
  • Touchless payments such as credit/debit/e-transfers without signatures are preferred.
  • Plexiglass/other barriers are installed in the checkout area, when physical distancing cannot been maintained.
  • ABHR is used before and after each cash transaction.
  • Protective covers (e.g. apron) used over clothing are laundered after each shift.

I. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

  • All work surfaces and equipment are cleaned with soap and water before disinfection.
  • Disinfectants are used after cleaning surfaces and equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Cleaning/disinfectant wipes are used for surfaces only, in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Plexiglass/other barriers are stable enough for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Disposable covers are discarded immediately after use. Chairs, head/armrests, and squeeze bottles, are cleaned and disinfected between clients.
  • High-touch surfaces such as phones, computers, pens, cash register, credit card machine and door handles are cleaned and disinfected twice daily, or more often as necessary.
  • Washroom surfaces are cleaned and disinfected at least twice daily or as often as necessary.

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