After announcing Tuesday, barbershops and nail salons would be closed until May 29, Governor Bill Lee has changed course with the announcement these personal health services will be allowed to reopen Monday, May 4, under guidance issued by the state’s COVID-19 Unified Command.

“It’s not official, yet, but we’re planning on it,” said Jimmy Harris, Mayor of Madison County, “The order has to come from the (Jackson-Madison County Regional) Health Department, and we will know at noon, Thursday.

“I feel good about it, but again – it’s not official, yet.”

Gov. Lee said opening those businesses at the beginning of May was his original plan, even though his most recent order suggested they stay closed until the end of May.

Lee addressed the public’s response to his previous order –

“There will be changes to the ways that we are operating and allowing businesses to open over the next 30 days — and those will be made in accordance with how data shows we should be making those decisions,” Lee told lawmakers.

Lee said he received calls even through the night about opening salons and barbershops.

The governor intended to make the announcement Thursday when the guidance will officially come out. Lee said the public concern over the issue prompted him to announce sooner.