Hong Kong’s relaxation of social distancing measures is rare good news for close-contact businesses in the city that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, including beauty salons and spas, which last month were forced to shut for two weeks after three were linked to coronavirus infections.
But as people tentatively return to their old routines, some remain wary about visiting such establishments. Hong Kong resident Sara Chan is one. She says the wellness industry is more vital than ever right now, but she will be checking on what hygiene protocol is in place before she books any appointments.
“I don’t want to be stressed about something that is meant to be about de-stressing,” she says.
To boost customer confidence, beauty parlours and spas in Hong Kong have implemented measures such as the use of masks, hand sanitiser and temperature checks to ensure clients get their bodies scrubbed and faces plumped in a virus-free environment.
The new industry normal also means stricter screening of clients, including sharing details of recent travel, while therapists are being better educated on how to protect themselves and their clients from diseases.
At EstheClinic in Central, treatments are held in separate rooms which means only one client and one therapist are in the same room at one time.
“We are going to great lengths to ensure that the clinic is at the highest level of cleanliness,” says managing director Solène Verrot, adding that products, devices, doorknobs and light switches are sanitised after each treatment.
Temperature screenings and health declaration forms are now part of the guest check-in routine at Bliss Spa at the W Hotel in Kowloon.
“Guests and associates must sanitise hands before and after treatments while therapists are required to wear masks and goggles when performing treatments,” says Jane Wang, director of spa and fitness. “Guest areas such as treatment rooms are sanitised immediately and thoroughly after each guest visit.”
Therapists at the Glow Spa and Salon in Central must wear masks and gloves for treatments, while clients must undergo temperature checks, sanitise their hands, and complete health and travel statements.
“Our team has been briefed on, and are aware of, the symptoms or behaviours that may put our clients and our staff at risk,” says Glow owner Sioban Guilfoyle. “We have empowered them to rearrange or refuse treatment should they have any concerns.”
Guilfoyle says some clients are requesting that a single person work with them, without assistants, while others are requesting visits outside regular hours. “Our team is flexible with their working hours, and we fulfil these requests where possible.”
A recent survey by industry body the International Spa (ISPA) Foundation examined the behaviours and expectations of Americans regarding spas during the coronavirus crisis.
Only 25 per cent of respondents said they would feel very nervous about visiting a spa after the crisis ends, while 60 per cent noted they are likely to ask about hygiene and sanitation practices when they next visit a spa. More than 80 per cent of respondents plan to spend as much or more on spa visits once the pandemic ends.
“We know that Covid-19 has created a lot of uncertainty in many industries, including the spa industry,” said ISPA president Lynne McNees in a press release. “This research offers clarity at a time when we know it’s in short supply, providing key insights into real-life consumer attitudes as our members make plans for reopening their spas in an unprecedented climate.”
ISPA also released a “Spa Reopening Toolkit” to equip spas with the guidance and resources needed to safely reopen.
Some Hong Kong spas remain closed until further notice, including the Asaya at Rosewood Hong Kong.
Elsewhere in Asia, Thailand – known for its lucrative spa and wellness industry – introduced a certification this week called “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA” to raise the country’s tourism hygiene standards. Singapore, meanwhile, launched a similar programme – “SG Clean” – last month which requires businesses to pass a seven-point checklist that includes screening the health and temperature of employees, and workplace hygiene practices.