LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Places like gyms and indoor malls are opening up starting Friday for the first time since mid-March, as Nevada moves into Phase 2 of its reopening plan.
And for places like bars and tattoo parlors, it's been weeks of closures, but business owners say they're glad to reopen again, and will be ready for customers.
If you're planning on getting ink done at Koolsville Tattoo in the Arts District, expect a temperature check - it's one of the many safety measures in place.
"We're putting the plexiglass in front of the counters. Everybody needs to wear a mask, including the customers that come inside the shop," Robert Gonzales, owner of the tattoo parlor, said.
Continuing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic
He says he's prepared to reopen, and welcome back customers itching to get their tattoos.
"We've had anywhere from ten to twenty people try to get into the store. We're like, "we're not open,"' Gonzales said.
ReBAR is planning to reopen the following week as the place needs a little more time to get things in order. The owner says this includes paying up to provide protection.
"We've had to acquire a lot more expenses because of PPE we've had to buy," Derek Stonebarger, the bar's owner, said.
He expects an influx of customers for bars that open Friday, but the usually slow summer season could catch up.
"There may be a big surge for a couple of days, this first weekend. But then I think it becomes a slow trickle," Stonebarger said.
He also feels that not all customers are ready to go back out yet.
"Things are never going to be the way they were until there's a vaccine," Stonebarger said.
List of resources for Nevadans during coronavirus pandemic
Gonzales says his shop is ready despite the uncertainty and is hoping the casinos reopening will give a financial boost.
"Once we tattoo all the locals, our money will depend on the tourists. We're the tourism capital of the world," Gonzales said.
Landra Hogue, a local hairdresser, told 13 Action News that her salon doesn't require customers to wear masks and feels that's too risky.
"I think they should mandate people wearing masks when they go into an establishment," Hogue said.
She says her family members are immunocompromised, and she doesn't want to risk exposure.
"If I were to bring it home, they would not live," Hogue said.
Currently, the Nevada Board of Cosmology only recommends customers wear face coverings, and there's no statewide order to do so.
At a recent Vegas Chamber meeting, Gov. Steve Sisolak said he strongly recommends people wear one.
