29/04/2020
πΎ PLEASE READ πΎ
The devastating news has just been announced that the UK total number of deaths due to Coronavirus so far has risen sharply from 21,678 to 26,097 as those in care homes and the community were included for the first time.
This news has come in minutes after receiving another message asking if Iβm reopening because some grooming establishments in the area have already reopened. So Iβll answer publicly here...
No. I am not open.
But let me explain why...ππ»
Everybody seems to be relaxing restrictions. B&Q are reopening, Greggs, Costa, Homebase and Burger King are all among those big names whoβve opened their doors again recently, so itβs not surprising people are starting to expect businesses to be operating, and there is mounting pressure on small businesses like mine to open their doors again.
But, Boris Johnson warned us only two days ago that we are, and I quote, βat the moment of maximum riskβ.
It is my opinion that all we are going to achieve by choosing to relax our self imposed restrictions too soon is encourage this virus to stick around for even longer, which will not only cause a second wave of new deaths, but it will mean more and stronger government restrictions down the line.
So whilst the whole world may appear to be getting back to normal, I will not open my salon until the government deem it safe to do so.
As well as this, the new DEFRA (government) guidelines directed to pet groomers specifically state that I can work and dogs can be groomed BUT only if welfare issues are a factor.
There are many other strict guidelines to accompany that statement that make it impossible to work effectively:
πΎ Owners aren't allowed to bring their dog to the salon (unless they can walk) as this is non essential travel
πΎ Groomers may collect, but this requires us to change our vehicle insurance
πΎ Our vehicles would need to be fully disinfected, not only between each dog, but also between picking up and dropping off that same dog
πΎ Dogs have to be disinfected when arriving at the salon, PPE changed, then the groom can happen
πΎ After the groom, the salon space and all equipment needs to be disinfected
All of the above is all very well and I donβt disagree with any of it, but it would mean that one groom of a Cockerpoo would entail a total of approximately 4-5 hours.
If anybody is happy to pay up to Β£130 for the work that the groom would take, then thatβs great, but otherwise itβs just not possible.
And yes, whilst there are circumstances in which I can work, the decision to stay closed for me is a moral one. I will not contribute towards the spread of this virus. I will not risk giving it to you, and I will not risk bringing it home to my family either, and therefore my salon will remain closed until the government restrictions are lifted.
The one piece of advice that has remained unchanged throughout all of this is...
Stay at home π Protect the NHS π Save lives
And so that is exactly what I will continue to do.
I hope that helps to explain my position.
Much love as always, and stay safe π
(Shared from a grooming group letβs stick together)
