Close contact beauty services CAN resume in England from 15 August
By Helena Biggs | 13 August 2020 | Movers & Shakers, News
In a late statement on 13 August, prime minister Boris Johnson announced that close contact beauty services can resume in England from Saturday 15 August.
The announcement follows a number of campaigns to ‘Bring Back Beauty’ and frustration amongst industry professionals.
A statement from the cabinet office reads:
“The plan set out in the ‘roadmap to recovery’ which was paused for two weeks will resume from Saturday 15 August in England – except for specific areas where local restrictions are in place.
“Beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers across England will be able to offer all close contact services – including front of the face treatments such as eyebrow threading, eyelash treatments and facials from August 15 under new guidance.”
“Taking into account new evidence provided by SAGE and consultation with industry, the government has also confirmed today that all staff offering close contact services, including hairdressers, should now wear a face mask (type 2 surgical), in addition to a clear visor that covers the face. This will help protect the customer and staff from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing, or speaking.
“The guidance also applies to businesses that operate remotely, such as massage therapists working in people’s homes, and those learning in vocational training environments.”
While restrictions are set to ease, the government has also announced a series of tough new enforcement measures targeting the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions. These include doubling fines to a maximum of £3,200 for those who repeatedly flout face covering rules.
Business Secretary, Alok Sharma comments:
“From Saturday (15 August), salons, spas and other close contact services across England will once again be able to offer all services in a way that is safe for workers and clients.
“I am pleased to give these often small, independent businesses a much-needed boost as we progress with our plan to kickstart the economy to protect jobs and incomes.”
“Opening up the economy is conditional on our continued success at controlling the spread of coronavirus. Therefore it remains essential businesses comply with Covid-19 secure measures to protect workers and the public.”
For more information, visit www.gov.uk