CANTON —One day after Phase 2 reopened in the North Country, the St. Lawrence County Reopening Task Force was packing vehicles with face shields to distribute across the county.

Hair stylists have been preparing for the moment to reopen, but many were surprised to learn that the New York State Guidelines released May 29 require them to wear face shields in addition to masks, an item not as easy to access locally, according to SLC Reopening Task Force member Brooke Rouse.

"Stylists have been hard hit by the closures, many unable to receive unemployment benefits and incurring extra expenses to reopen safely. They have been anxiously and patiently waiting to reopen and started booking appointments as we neared Phase 2. The reopening task force wanted to be sure they could safely open as soon as possible, missing as few appointments as possible" said Rouse, who is also executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

The shields were in stock at the county and some were donated by SUNY Potsdam.

A form launched Friday afternoon allows any business to request shields to operate. The form can be found at https://forms.gle/7kVWNQQnu32zfSsg8

Those who complete the form will be notified of the closest location to pick up.

The face shields will also be available for pickup at the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce in Canton, Call ahead at 315-386-4000 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.