Most New Yorkers are following all the Coronavirus rules and restrictions, but some businesses are finding it difficult. Chris Glorioso reports.
Despite the governor's executive order closing personal hygiene businesses in New York, a Midtown Manhattan salon was offering manicures, pedicures, and Brazilian waxing this week.
An email from Beleza Beauty Spa told potential clients "We have a few spots available on Thursday (May 28) for Waxing. Book Now!" When the I-Team called to see about specific appointment slots, a salon worker responded the business was "booked solid" on Thursday but they did have availability on Friday.
People passing by the business, located on the fourth floor of a W. 56th Street professional building, were stunned to see a salon advertising such intimate services in the middle of a pandemic.
"With the Coronavirus going on? That's crazy. Are they insane?" said Isaac Cabrera of the Bronx.
"It's not fair," said Lea Korinth, a tourist from Mexico. "I mean there are rules for a reason. Either we stick to them or if we don't this is going to go on for much longer and businesses are going to suffer for longer."
When the I-Team visited, a salon worker who opened the door of Beleza Beauty Spa confirmed the business was seeing clients, but declined to explain how offering bikini waxes and other close-contact services during the pandemic was legal.
"Why do I have to answer your questions?" she said. "I don't want to talk to you."
On a Facebook page advertising Beleza Beauty Spa, a post from May 18 listed a series of measures the salon has been taking to protect clients' health including spacing out appointments and requiring face coverings. But it went on to strike a note of defiance, promising the business would "reopen on JUNE 5th (Friday) 2020 regardless of any regulations."
Less than 24 hours after the I-Team inquired, the salon appeared to walk that defiance back - with a new email to potential clients.
"We are postponing our reopening day," the email read. "For now the book will be open from June 16th 2020 with the possiblity or [sic] being extended depending on the authorization of the local government."
After the I-Team contacted City Hall about the business, a spokesperson reiterated that operating a salon is currently prohibited under the state pandemic rules.
"There are a few bad apples who are trying to jump the gun even though it's not legal," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "It's just not acceptable. It's dangerous. It's a way to spread the disease."
