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KINGSTON, Jamaica March 16, 2020 — Operators of beauty salons, barber shops and cosmetologists, are being warned not to render their services to anyone, if they are infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Failure to adhere could result in their licences being revoked, said Attorney-General, Marlene Malahoo Forte.
She noted that persons, working as beauty therapists, cosmetologists and hairdressers, are “under duty to be free from this disease. Please know that the local board can revoke your authorisation, if you are found to be suffering from this disease”.
In respect to barbers and barbershop operators, she advised that they, too, have a duty, under the Public Health, Barbers and Barbershop Regulations, to not contaminate anyone, and are also at risk of losing their licence, if they do not comply.
“You must not put yourself in harm’s way. Get out of the way and ensure that you are not inviting persons or entertaining persons, who are at risk, as your licences, too, can be revoked,” she noted.
The Attorney General, who was speaking at a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, on Friday.
Malahoo Forte issued a similar warning to operators, employers and employees of food establishments, noting that they are obligated to comply under the Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations.
“Operators, employers and employees of food-handling establishment are under duty to be free from this COVID-19, if you’re working in the food establishment. So you must take every step to prevent yourself from coming into contact with persons, Attorney General Malahoo Forte said medical officers are also required to notify the authorities, if an operator suspects that an employee or other person, who enters a food-handling establishment, has COVID-19.
“If that person is suspected, the operator and employee can also be required to be medically examined, and if you are so required, I have to tell you, you really have to comply,” she pointed out.
Similarly, the Attorney-General said operators of businesses, in the tourism sector, are also bound, by law, to report anyone, who is suspected or confirmed of having the virus.
