PHOENIX — No, salons are not able to reopen in Arizona except to sell goods next week.
The governor's office is clarifying Thursday that salons are only able to sell goods, not services starting next week.
Governor Doug Ducey announced on Wednesday that retail businesses can start to reopen on May 4 voluntarily while following physical distancing procedures.
Then, four days later, they can voluntarily reopen with reduced occupancy or capacity, options for curbside or delivery, and fitting rooms are to remain closed at clothing stores.
It was this slide in the governor's press conference specified for retail, that has seemed to send a confusing message: 'appointment-based services.'
"When you put those two words together, especially in an industry such as hair dressing, barbers, nail salons, those two words mean so much to us, because that’s all our business is based on," said Arlica Hernandez, of Beauty Bar in Peoria.
Hernandez said she has clients and others reaching out to her for clarity on if she's opening.
"Hundreds and thousands of Americans are unemployed right now, grasping at every little comma, every little word, and I feel they did a poor job of rolling out the new plan, because I definitely was expecting a black or white."
The governor addressing the public in an hour long press conference did clarify later what salons can do, "that would be to sell product, it would not be to conduct the additional services but I am aspirational, that we will get there, we’re just not there yet."
Another date thrown out there was May 12, as a best case scenario for dine-in restaurants to start to open. However, this is not set yet.
"The best case scenario, according to the industry, would be May 12," Governor Ducey said.
The governor said that there would be more to come next week on the plans for restaurants.
Later in the press conference, he added a little more insight, "let me clarify, at this point in time, bars are not under consideration."
What about malls?
The executive order addresses areas like malls, stating, "areas where people may be inclined to congregate in an enclosed or confined area such as indoor shopping malls shall continue to limit operations."
A governor's spokesperson clarified that essentially the new order is not intended to open up malls May 4 or May 8.
But, what are appointment based services in retail?
The governor's office said they won't go through all scenarios, but a few examples include a jewelry store that can schedule an appointment, or even perhaps a retail location that could schedule a suit or dress fitting.
The governor's executive order is extended to May 15 for Arizonans but what else will open is unclear.
"I think May can be a very positive month," said Governor Ducey. "I'd rather under promise and over deliver."
