Local tattoo parlors adjust to COVID-19 with strict guidelines, safety rules
by Olivia Murray
omurray@dominionpost.com
Local tattoo parlors have made changes to their workspaces and processes to keep artists and customers safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donna Phillips of Stick Tattoo and Patty Loy-Colebank of Patty’s Art Spot are Morgantown-based tattoo artists who have implemented additional sterility and safety protocols upon the reopening of their shops after the government-mandated stay-at-home order was lifted earlier this year.
“We were shut down for six weeks,” said Loy-Colebank. “We were very busy prior to closing. We are just as busy now, but it took a while to get caught up on all the people that had appointments that were displaced. Fortunately, many people were still nervous to come in, so that made it easier to schedule those that got missed.”
Stick Tattoo was closed for nearly two months, according to Phillips. Prior to the shutdown, Stick Tattoo “had a little more cancellations than usual” due to growing concern in the community, “but [business] was still pretty typical,” added Phillips.
“We are now the busiest we’ve ever been,” Phillips said.
To safely accommodate returning patrons and newly interested parties during the pandemic, Loy-Colebank, Phillips and their coworkers have increased safety measures in their shops.
“Since our job has always been about keeping the customers safe and avoiding cross-contamination, we did not have to make a lot of changes,” Loy-Colebank said. “The biggest is just limiting the number of people in the shop and wearing the masks at all times.”
Additionally, Loy-Colebank said employees of Patty’s Art Spot have been sanitizing waiting and high-traffic areas frequently, and the shop is no longer allowing customers to bring guests into the shop for their appointments.
Similar practices are being exercised at Stick Tattoo.
“It actually has made our job much easier,” Phillips said. “Especially since people can’t bring other people with them to their appointments. Our shop agrees that we should keep these standards forever, even after the mask mandate is over.”
“Most people complain about the masks,” said Loy-Colebank. “But if you find the right one that fits your face and allows you to talk, you get used to it really fast.”
Phillips believes the protocols employed at Stick Tattoo are “absolutely” effective.
“There isn’t much of an option for tattooers,” Phillips said of working during the pandemic. “We are taking every precaution while we work. With that, I’ve not felt like I was unsafe in my working situation.”
Loy-Colebank is thankful she is able to continue her work through the pandemic.
“I felt really good about having a family practitioner and someone from the CDC come in and get tattooed during this pandemic,” Loy-Colebank said. “I think it speaks volumes for how comfortable we make people feel about our safety practices.”
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