Rational thought does not apply especially if you live an hours drive from
a city with astounding HEP-c and HIV infection rates. This is a topic where
the phrase "Had we known then what we know now..." has new meaning.
In looking up HEP-c the other day I was amazed at how
recently the virus had been identified and the statistics
of infection rates by age group. I used to think that
cirrhosis of the liver was the result of drink, we now know that
it is often the result of HEP-c and that cirrhosis will go on
and result in liver failure or other complications.
I applaud the moves of the health department in this regard.
I also wish the world was different.
Perhaps if we had autoclave friendly razors, strops, and hones
barbers could have made a case for their service and still
sell a fine hand crafted shave.
Like you I am sceptical about some of these issues
because I know that much regulation is not driven by
science but it is driven by instrument makers
and TV news. If an instrument maker can get a new level
of regulation in place they get to sell a lot of hardware fast.
But that has nothing to do with barbering.