California\'s governor said nail salons were the site of the state\'s first known community spread of COVID-19 — and they won\'t be allowed to re-open just yet

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that a nail salon was the first known site of community spread in the state and that those businesses would not be a part of the reopening phase set to begin tomorrow, CNBC reported.

"This whole thing started in the state of California, the first community spread, in a nail salon," Newsom said at a news briefing, according to CNBC. "I'm very worried about that."

Newsom announced a four-phase plan for reopening the state. Right now, the state will be going into phase two, where "low-risk" businesses like bookstores, jewelry stores, toy stores, and clothing stores will be allowed to re-open starting on May 8. Advertisement

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However, before reopening, businesses have to ensure certain guidelines, in addition to industry-specific checklists, are met.

All businesses must "perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan, train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them, implement individual control measures and screenings, implement disinfecting protocols, and implement physical distancing guidance."

Newsom has not given a timeline, to when the next phase will begin, CNBC reported.

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According to CNBC, state health directors have said nail salons are as risky for the spread of the new coronavirus like gyms and hair salons.

Other states, like Georgia, which reopened in late April, allowed nail salons to be a part of the first wave of reopenings. According to CNBC, Texas will also allow nail salons to reopen when the lockdown is lifted on Friday.

Newsom's office did not respond to Insider's request for comment at the time of publication. Advertisement

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