Coronavirus: Salons in Wales ordered to close from 23 Oct to 9 Nov

Wales is to go into a ‘firebreak’ lockdown from Friday 23 October, with hair and beauty salons ordered to close.

The decision comes following fears that the NHS would not be able to look after the increasing number of people suffering with coronavirus.

In a statement to press, Wales’ first minister, Mark Drakeford, said that the decision would be a ‘short, sharp shock to turn back the clock, slow down the virus and buy us more time.’

In addition to hair and beauty salons, hotels, pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops will need to shut until 9 November, and there will be no meetings between household inside or outdoors.

The Welsh government has confirmed the following financial support with more details to follow:

• £1,000 for every business covered by small business rate relief
• Up to £5,000 for small and medium retail, leisure and hospitality, received automatically
• Additional discretionary grants for businesses struggling from restrictions

Industry body, NHBF, is speaking to the Welsh government to ensure this funding is made available as a matter of urgency in time for the beginning of the country’s ‘fire break’ on Friday.

A statement from NHBF reads:

“The UK government’s previously announced support measures will also be available in Wales. This includes the Job Support Scheme in which the UK government pays two thirds employees’ salaries (67%), up to a maximum of £2,100 a month.

“The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme will also cover Wales, which offers 20% of average monthly profits, up to a total of £1,875 for a 3-month period.

“The first minister, Mark Drakeford has asked the UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak to bring the commencement of these measures forward to Friday for Wales in light of their imminent lockdown.” 

Richard Lambert, chief executive of the NHBF, says: “We understand that public health must be the priority, but nevertheless this is a massive blow for businesses that were already on their knees following the previous lockdown over the summer. While we are pleased that the Welsh government has outlined financial support for businesses forced to close, it is imperative that this support is immediately available as, unlike March, these businesses do not have the financial reserves to support themselves until such time as grants can be made available.”