Missouri salon may have exposed 140 customers to coronavirus

Dozens of Great Clips clients in Missouri may have left the salon with more than a new haircut.

At least 140 clients could have been exposed to the coronavirus after two hairstylists tested positive.

The city of Springfield said Friday that 84 clients and seven employees had been potentially exposed when the hairstylist worked for eight days with symptoms. Another 56 people were possibly exposed to the virus when a second stylist who tested positive worked for five days with mild symptoms, the city said Saturday.

“At this time, this is the only other positive result we have had from those tested as a result of the previous exposure,” the Springfield-Greene County Health Department said of the second positive test.

Both stylists and their clients wore face coverings during their appointments, according to the health department.

The city said the county health department would notify the clients who had potential exposure and offer testing.

“Both stylists are following medical advice and taking appropriate actions, and the local health department notified individuals who came in close contact with those stylists. The franchise owners have closed the salon to undergo additional sanitization and deep cleaning, consistent with guidance from health officials,” Great Clips said in a statement.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson allowed hair salons and other businesses to reopen on May 4.

At least one customer who may have been exposed at Great Clips said he was surprised to get a call from the health department.

"Now, I'm someone directly affected by COVID, and I never thought that it would be so close to home," Erik Chase told KY3 News. "It's a big deal. It definitely gives me great concern."