Weeks after reopening, Loop salon forced to close again after visitor tests positive for COVID-19

After closing for months in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Thomas West Salon finally reopened its doors in the Merchandise Mart on June 3.

But this week, customers were alerted that someone who came into the salon in the ensuing days had tested positive for the virus. As a result, the salon will remain closed until July 1 after shutting down again on Thursday “to ensure the safety of all clients and staff members.”

“Given the precautions we have in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there is a minimal likelihood of transmission to you,” the salon wrote to clients in an email. “However, please use caution and monitor for symptoms over the next two weeks to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois if you were in our salon from June 8th to June 17th.”

A representative for the salon didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

With more businesses reopening as restrictions related to the pandemic have been eased across the country, many states are now reporting spikes in new cases of COVID-19. But in Illinois, the number of confirmed cases and deaths has remained relatively low this month and continued trending downward after spiking in mid-May.

All four regions of the state are now primed to enter the next phase of Gov J.B. Pritzker’s reopening phase — which allows for gatherings of up to 50 people — though Chicago officials will likely delay the move until July 1. Still, public health officials are continuing to advise Illinoisans to stay vigilant as life slowly returns to normal.

Meanwhile, some businesses are erring on the side of caution. On Wednesday, L’Cafecito Jumping Bean announced on Facebook that its location at 2010 S. Damen was closing after an employee displayed symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

The announcement, which came just days after the cafe’s patio was opened, noted that the location “will remain closed until all of us have been tested and found to be in good health.”