To demonstrate their commitment against COVID-19, some barbers in China have begun offering “long-distance” haircuts to customers fearful of contracting the disease — and to protect themselves as well.
In videos that have gone viral on Douyin — China’s version of TikTok — barbers can be seen using their tools attached at the end of long sticks, clearly showing some next-level dexterity.
#国际疫情 下的理发技术
这是秀才华— MrdoorVPN翻墙梯子 (@MrdoorVPN) March 1, 2020
One popular post shows a pair of barbers from a salon in Luzhou, Sichuan province using the improvised tools on their customers.
“Although the lockdown is finished, we still need to keep some distance to stay safe,” hairstylist He Bing captioned the video, according to the Daily Mail.
疫情环境下的洗头，理发。😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/3nUtFxNCAK
— Timothy Lin林云飞 (@TimLinFreedom) March 2, 2020
While some may find the technique amusing, it attempts to follow an official guideline of maintaining a minimum distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the customer.
Despite such a “long distance,” the barbers provide services like any normal day, including combing, trimming and even washing.
二月二，龙抬头，冠状病毒疫情下的剪发模式。😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ZT1xeqlptR
— Timothy Lin林云飞 (@TimLinFreedom) February 24, 2020
For one, the salon where He Bing works actually offers services based on the customers’ requirements, according to the South China Morning Post.
Weibo users have since lauded the barbers, with one commenting, “When they’re skilled enough, they can try their hand at endoscopic surgery.”
This is a “long-distance haircut”, designed to make customers feel safe amid the coronavirus outbreak. pic.twitter.com/3gjN8RNgFu
— SCMP News (@SCMPNews) March 5, 2020
The videos have since made their way to Twitter, drawing the similar reactions of amazement and wonder from viewers.
“‘Long-distance haircuts.’ They want to protect themselves and help their customers feel safer. Good initiative,” one user commented.
“Long-distance haircuts.” They want to protect themselves and help their customers feel safer. Good initiative. #COVID19
Merci, Dear JB @jblefevre60
— Shi (@ShiCooks) March 4, 2020
As of Thursday, China has recorded at least 80,000 cases of COVID-19, more than 3,000 of which resulted in deaths, according to AFP.
Feature Image Screenshots via @MrdoorVPN (left) and @TimLinFreedom (right)