No clients contracted COVID-19 from Great Clips exposure, health department says

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department said in a Monday press release that the incubation period has passed for people potentially exposed to the coronavirus at a Springfield Great Clips salon, and no clients nor additional coworkers tested positive for COVID-19.

“This is exciting news about the value of masking to prevent COVID-19,” Director of Health Clay Goddard said in a release. “We are studying more closely the details of these exposures, including what types of face coverings were worn and what other precautions were taken to lead to this encouraging result. We never want an exposure like this to happen, but this situation will greatly expand our understanding of how this novel coronavirus spreads.”

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Goddard noted in addition to masking, Great Clips had policies in place that also likely prevented the spread of the disease — such as distancing of salon chairs, staggering appointments and other measures that will be studied.

Two stylists tested positive for the virus after working at the Great Clips at 1864 S. Glenstone Ave., potentially exposing 140 clients and six coworkers. No additional clients or coworkers tested positive.

Testing was offered to all those potentially exposed and 46 people pursued testing — all came back negative. Regardless of testing, everyone potentially exposed was quarantined for the duration of their exposure period.

Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield News-Leader. You can contact him at 417-371-6987, by email at wwheeler@news-leader.com or join the conversation on Twitter where his handle is @WyattWheeler_NL.