The measures beauticians are resorting to during Lebanon’s extended lockdown
In a time where businesses are closing down left and right, people are doing the most to earn enough to survive; even if that means putting their own life at risk.
On Jan 4, Lebanon enforced a total lockdown of three weeks in efforts to contain the virus as the country reaches yet another milestone in cases and deaths. Fast-forward a few more weeks, the country has been under total lockdown for almost two months now, leaving businesses including beauty salons scraping to make ends meet.
Today, beauticians are resorting to door-to-door visits in order to earn their living. “It took me years to get to where I am now; to own my own beauty salon. But here I am today going back to home visits and on the edge of losing everything and starting from scratch,” said Venus Mehchi, a beautician that has been in the industry for over two decades now.
Despite beauticians’ efforts to respect COVID-19 precautions some cannot be applied, especially social distancing. “I try my best to take precautions. I sanitize my materials and always wear a mask and give my clients one but I can’t stand far away from my client and avoid touching their face.”
“I am taking risks. Of course, I am. Going from house to house in a pandemic puts my life as well as my family’s life at risk but I would rather take risks than watch my two kids starve,” she replied when asked if her work potentially exposes her more to the virus.
Beauticians are now breaking the law by responding to house calls and going against lockdowns. “I am not worried about the law nor the government, I am worried about my health and my family’s health but I cannot ignore the economic challenges I am faced with today,” concluded Venus.
