Beyond salons and spas, Minnesota orders many more services to cease operations

State regulators Wednesday night greatly expanded beyond hair and nail salons the various personal services that must cease under Gov. Tim Walz's order in his effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, in a directive issued at 9 p.m. Tuesday, said "we have received guidance" that all of its licensed practitioners should be idled immediately.

As late as 7 p.m. Tuesday, the board said it was still seeking clarification on the fate of businesses large and small that keep people's hair trimmed and styled, nails polished and faces cleansed while in obvious close proximity to their clientele.

The industry shutdown runs until at least 5 p.m. March 27, the board said.

Then, less than 24 hours later, these services were added to board's cease-operations list: tanning, tattoo and other body art, massage and similar body work, aesthetician salons, eyelash salons and barbershops.

Juut Salonspas, which has seven locations in the metro area, said Wednesday it was complying with the order. A company statement said all appointments through the end of the month have been automatically canceled.

"Each person that comes through our doors is valued beyond measure," said an e-mail to clients. "We appreciate you and look forward to seeing you again soon! We're all in this together."

The governor's order also included restaurants and bars, a move other states have taken to slow the spread of the virus.

The board's statement late Tuesday also addressed the state's many privately operated cosmetology schools.

"Please do what you can to prioritize the health and safety of students and clients," said the board's statement directed at the schools' operators. "We are in conversation with the governor's office and other relevant parties about solutions to the challenges that the COVID-19 situation presents. We understand that schools are working on alternative learning plans that may be in conflict with statute and/or rule."

In the meantime, schools must notify the board by Friday whether they are implementing an alternative instruction plan to avoid potential conflicts with Walz's executive order and other rules put in place to counter the virus.

There are many privately operated cosmetology schools around the state, ranging from the Aveda Institute and the Minnesota School of Cosmetology in the Twin Cities to the Rochester School of Hair Design. Instruction lasts up to a year, with tuition typically costing $13,000 to more than $18,000.

Many of the schools also welcome the public and offer all of the services they are teaching their students — including massages, haircuts, styles, manicures, pedicures, waxing and facials.

The Minnesota School of Cosmetology said both of its locations, in Plymouth and Woodbury, are closed through March 28. The closure includes accepting customers. Aveda said its in-class instruction and retail sales are on hold indefinitely. Aveda is offering instruction online.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482