Early studies of the coronavirus pandemic included determining its infection rate. At the early stages of the virus breakout, it was determined to have an R0 (R-naught) of 5, and seems to have reduced to a one is to one infection rate. With this rate of infection rate, authorities were puzzled when two COVID-19 positive hairstylists from Missouri, who handled 140 customers last month, had infected zero individuals.
Both Great Clips employees work at the same salon in Springfield. When the salon reopened after a period of lockdown, all employees and customers were required to wear masks as the establishment took extra precautions of distancing the chairs and staggering appointments to avoid crowding, as confirmed by the Springfield-Greene County Health.
The two stylists handled 140 clients in total while in contact with seven co-workers. Out of 46 individuals who took tests, no one came back positive with infection. After a two-week self-quarantine period, no new coronavirus cases have been linked to the employees.
One hairstylist handled 56 clients while the second employee took care of 84 customers. The stylists continued to work for eight days until May 20 before going on 14-day isolation.
Zero Infections
Kathryn Wall, a spokesperson for the local Health Department said that, for the rest of the clients who were not tested, they were quarantined and received calls twice a day by health officials. No one had developed symptoms of the virus.
Clay Goddard, the county's director of health, expressed that 'this is exciting news about the value of masking to prevent COVID-19.' They are also studying 'more closely the details of these exposures, including what types of face coverings were worn and what other precautions were taken to lead to this encouraging result.'
Aside from confirming the importance of wearing masks, the case also points out how necessary it trace any form of contact and be isolated after exposure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.
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Wear a Mask and Continue Social Distancing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially estimated that about 30% of infected individuals would be asymptomatic. It's possible that a percentage of the 140 clients may actually be infected and asymptomatic, which is why their results are negative. Springfield-Greene County Health officials are encouraged by these results, gaining new insight on how to stop the spread of the virus in their area while highlighting the importance of wearing a mask.
Multiple studies have confirmed that social distancing, staying six feet apart, and wearing masks are the two best ways to prevent coronavirus transmission, followed by regular hand washing. A study from the Lancet medical journal stated that the chances of transmission without a mask was 17.4%, contrary to 3.1% with a mask on.
'All customers who were tested for COVID-19 after visiting a franchised Great Clips salon in Springfield have confirmed negative test results. Together with our 1,100 independent franchisees, we care deeply about the well-being of customers, salon staff, and the communities we serve, and we are grateful for the health of these individuals,' shared the salon company.
