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The ink is flowing once again at SouthCoast tattoo parlors

The Standard Times - 6/28/2020

Jun. 28--NEW BEDFORD -- Tattoo establishments were allowed to reopen on June 22, as more restrictions under the coronavirus pandemic were lifted, but you still might have to wait awhile before getting that new ink.

Governor Charlie Baker ordered all non-essential businesses to close on March 24 to slow the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus, which included contact businesses like hair and nail salons, and tattoo parlors.

Now, almost three months to the day, these businesses have been allowed to reopen in phases -- including tattoo parlors.

"We're glad to be open and we're fine with the safety protocols," said Vanessa Kollars, co-owner of New Bedford Tattoo Company at 86 Front St. in New Bedford.

But opening the doors to welcome new customers might take a little longer, because she, like other tattoo artists, has a backlog of clients who scheduled appointments before the pandemic shutdown hit.

"We had five weeks of tattoos booked before we had to shut down. They have first priority," Kollars said.

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"I'm very glad to be returning to my life as an artist," said Ryan Vidinha, co-owner of Famous Tattoos at 643 State Road in Dartmouth. His tattoo shop was scheduled to Monday, June 29 and he will also be working through clients who booked before the pandemic. "We had booked two months out" before his business was ordered closed by the state, Vidinha said.

Once ordered closed, Vidinha said he removed all his supplies from his shop. Now he is taking time to clean the studio and make sure everything is in place before customers are allowed to enter.

Clients getting their tattoos will have to go through some extra protective measures.

Tattoo parlors are highly regulated by state and local boards of health when it comes to implementing strict sanitary measures.

With COVID-19 still being a very active virus, the parlors are adding extra layers of protection.

"Customers will have to wear masks," Vidinha said. "I will 100% turn away someone who isn't wearing one." He said if a customer doesn't have a mask, or a proper one, his business will hand them a brand new disposable one.

"We want our customers to be wearing actual medical masks. Bandanas don't count," Vidinha said. Likewise, he will also be wearing a medical mask.

"I need to protect myself and my loved ones," Vidinha said.

Customers are being seen by appointment only, and those new customers just wanting a consultation will have to call in advance, both Vidinha and Kollars said of their respective establishments.

"Only one person will be allowed in the waiting area and one client getting tattooed," Kollars said. Her tattoo artists will also be wearing disposable sleeves over their arms to avoid contact with clients.

"We're probably going above and beyond, but it's about client safety," Kollars said.

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