COVID-19: Beauticians, barbers be allowed to deliver 'home services', says Urban Company

Home services marketplace Urban Company has urged the government to allow barbers and beauticians to "deliver home services" in all areas, except containment zones.

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Urban Company Co-founder and CEO Abhiraj Singh Bhal lauded the Ministry of Home Affairs on allowing resumption of beauty and barber services in green and orange zones.

"However, the vast majority of this industry is based in red zones. We humbly request that this list be expanded to include at-home beauty and barber services (including through online aggregators facilitating such at-home services), in all areas excluding containment zones," he said in the letter dated May 6.

Like most businesses, salons and grooming services providers have also been adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown. Given that social distancing is becoming the new normal, these services - which involve physical contact - could continue to remain affected for some time.

He said the beauty