Pierce County barbershops, restaurants open for phase 2

TACOMA, Wash. — At Buzzerd's Barber Shop in Tacoma, it's the first day back on the job for Robert Velazquez and his fellow barbers after nearly three months of being closed.

"It's funny it's kind of bittersweet, because we kind of got used to not working, and now we're back at work, which we are very excited to be back to work,” said Velazquez, barbershop owner.

Things inside the shop are a bit different.

Customers get temperature checks at the door, masks are mandatory and appointments are required.

"We used to have lines out the door before we opened in the morning and now, we're not doing that anymore,” said Velazquez.

Friday, Pierce County officially entered phase two of the state's Safe Start Recovery Plan.

"Being able to talk to other people and feel human again is a real big part of raising the morale around the city and stuff,” said Scott Halasz.

Barber shops, hair and nail salons, retail shops and restaurants can begin welcoming people back again with new restrictions, which include limited capacity.

“It allowed us to open back up for all the customers that were craving poke in the area,” said Nichole Gonzalez, Sam Choy's Poke to the Max owner.

Although they can legally seat people, right now Sam Choy's Poke to the Max is sticking to take-out. However, after being closed for months, they're just thrilled to see their regulars again.

"I think people are excited. They're tired of being cooped up at home, so they want to leave and have that experience of eating out,” said Gonzalez.

People KIRO 7 spoke to said they’re savoring every minute of being out and about.

"You don't realize some of the stuff you are missing until something like this happens. It gives you a better appreciation to kind of hit the reset button,” said Halasz.

Pierce County is eligible to apply for phase three in three weeks.

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