Ohio tattoo, massage businesses get green light to reopen May 15 - cleveland.com

[massage]

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said on Tuesday that tattoo and massage businesses can open in Ohio on Friday, the same day spas and salons can reopen.

Gov. Mike DeWine last Thursday announced a reopening date for personal services, with best practice recommendations from an advisory group. But while "massage therapy locations” were one of the six businesses listed in the advisory groups, massage therapy fell under the licensing rules of the state medical board.

Ohio has posted guidelines for the openings of massage therapists, acupuncture facilities and cosmetic therapy locations on its website. The list includes employees wearing face masks, daily symptom assessments, hand washing in between clients, maintaining appointment and walk-in records, and much more.

Tattoo businesses can now also reopen, Husted said. Guidelines from Responsible RestartOhio are expected on the state website this afternoon. The tattoo industry is already under strict health guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health.

The news ends a period of uncertainty industries have been hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

The majority of tattoo and massage business owners are self-employed, while most tattoo artists and massage therapists work as independent contractors. Both scenarios have made it difficult for those involved to gain financial assistance from the government or unemployment.

“A massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders and this is the happiest and most at ease I’v been in two months,” says Erick Corfee, owner of American Ultra Tattoo and Body Piercing in Strongsville.

Husted promised announcements would come soon for gyms, fairs, outdoor amusements, camping, sports and outdoor recreation.

“We know that these are time-sensitive issues with Ohioans trying to make plans for their summers and make plans with their children as well,” Husted said.