Coronavirus: Nelson hairdresser's Austrian salon dream on hold as he waits out the pandemic

A Nelson hairdresser who moved to Austria to open a salon had two days in business before closing for lockdown.

Last July, Gene Kennedy sold his house, packed up his salon, Solo, and moved with his family to Steyr, in his wife's home country Austria.

After many years living and working in Nelson, it had been time for a change, Kennedy said.

In December he found a site for his new salon: a small space in a 15th century building, just minutes from his apartment. Kennedy renovated the space himself, creating a salon with a look and feel that would make his former Nelson clients would feel right at home, he said.

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The new salon had attracted a lot of interest, Kennedy said. "Lots of people were stopping by to look in the windows, friends of friends coming in to see how it looked."

Solo Friseur opened its doors on March 10. But the flush of opening success was short lived: Kennedy spent just two days in the salon before lockdown forced businesses across Austria to close.

Kennedy has spent the last month in isolation with his family: making music, cooking, learning German and enjoying time with his eight-year-old daughter, Rio. 

As of April 28, Austria, which has a population of nine million, had more than 15,000 covid infections and 549 deaths. On April 14 the country became one of the first in Europe to end lockdown. Restrictions have lifted slowly, with businesses opening gradually. Face masks are compulsory, and social distancing is encouraged.

Salons are tipped to open on May 1. But for now, Solo will remain closed, Kennedy said.

With Kennedy on immunosuppressant drugs and Rio an asthmatic, the family can't take any chances.

"Our containment will be a lot longer than normal people. I can't bring it home to Rio, she can't bring it home to me. We have to be super safe."

Despite the uncertain future and the loss of income, Kennedy is philosophical. And he doesn't regret the move to the town he said has similarities to Nelson.

"The town is picturesque and resembles Nelson in many ways. It's touristy in summer, it has water around it, and lots of mountains. I like it here."