The owner of a Simcoe aesthetics business said she hopes to open again next week after being ordered closed by Norfolk County in November.
A media release issued by the county on Friday said the health unit performed an inspection on Nov. 17 at Fancy Face – Fancy It Up, located at 250 Owen St., after “internal surveillance efforts resulted in a compliance inspection.”
The Ontario Ministry of Health requires that public health units investigate and publicly disclose information regarding infection prevention and control lapses if identified during their investigations, said the release.
“This information is shared with the public to ensure that individuals who received services at the identified premises are informed of the potential health risk and can respond accordingly.”
Fancy Face – Fancy It Up provides services including microblading, microshading and permanent makeup.
“The business has been operating without public health unit inspection or approval from 2018 to Nov. 9, 2022,” said the release. “On Nov. 9, 2022, the aesthetics business was ordered closed by Norfolk County and will remain closed until all infractions are corrected and a municipal business license with public health’s approval is acquired.”
The media release said the infection prevention and control lapse at the business included “inadequate cleaning and disinfection of semi critical equipment and instruments that are reused on clients – the mico-blade holder was not being processed between clients.”
The health unit said there is a risk of blood borne infection, as well as the risk of transmitting skin infections from one client to another.
While the infection risk is low, procedures involving the use of a micro-blade carry risk, said the release, adding that blood does not need to be visibly present for transmission of microorganisms to occur.
“Although the risk of infection here is quite low, we recommend that clients who received services, such as microblading, microshading and permanent makeup at this location between 2018 and Nov. 9, consult with their healthcare provider about testing for blood-borne infections, such as hepatitis and HIV,” said Dr. Matt Strauss, acting medical officer of health.
Tracey Wise, owner of Fancy Face – Fancy It Up, said she had complied with all the health unit’s orders and was told by an inspector on Friday that she had passed their inspection and would be able to obtain her license to operate.
Wise said she had been disinfecting equipment, tables and beds after every client and using sterile needles.
“I don’t reuse anything,” she said.
Wise said the main issue was the use of a sink in the washroom. She said she has installed a separate sink.
A statement released by the county late Friday afternoon said: “The Haldimand-Norfolk Public Health inspector will confirm that the business is in compliance with Ontario regulations for personal service settings by Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. The business will also require licensing to be granted before re-opening.”