Barber shops, gyms reopen in Thurston County

YELM, Wash. — Many small businesses in Thurston County are reopening under the state’s Phase 2 “Safe Start” program and owners couldn’t be happier to welcome customers back.

“We are stoked to be open. I can’t say that enough. This is so awesome,” said Mark Ireland.

Ireland owns Anytime Fitness in Yelm. He plans to reopen Monday at 5 a.m..

His gym falls into the Phase 2 category, which means he can reopen at 30% capacity.

“Emotionally, we are over-the-top ready,” said Ireland.

Inside the gym, half the cardio equipment is blocked off. There are hand sanitizer stations and wipes to clean off equipment as well as new COVID-19 signs at the front door.

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“It’s going to be six feet apart, virtual high-fives instead of the real deal, virtual fist bumps instead of the real deal, but, as far as us being able to coach and to train and to help, nothing [changes],” said Ireland.

Ireland expects his gym to be busy.

Barber shops are also preparing for big crowds. Kathie Bennett owns Kathie’s Barber Shop. Her phone has been ringing off the hook.

“There goes the phone again, it has been doing this since we walked in,” said Bennett.

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She’s thrilled to reopen Monday, but said things will be different. Seating inside the shop is limited. Customers will come inside, take a number and wait in their cars.

“Everybody must wear a mask covering their nose, their chins, their ears, yes,” said Bennett.

Wednesday, Thurston County Health Officer Dr. Diana Yu issued a masking directive. People must wear face coverings over their noses and mouths, except when eating or drinking, when they’re at indoor public settings or outdoor public locations where they cannot maintain distancing of approximately six feet.

People can use fabric coverings, such as cloth face masks, scarves and bandana coverings recommended by the CDC.

“We don’t want to be the epicenter for the next outbreak, the next surge of viruses, so the only way you can prevent that is people need to continue to stay strong on this and wear your mask in public and keep your social distance and we’ll get through it,” said Mayor JW Foster, Yelm.

Thurston County leaders said a violation of the masking directive doesn’t create grounds for residents or law enforcement to stop, detain, issue a citation, arrest, intimidate or harass individuals who aren’t in compliance. Instead, the directive should be used to educate, encourage and persuade people to wear face coverings.

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