COVID-19: Hairdressers and barbers to reopen from July 6

HAIRDRESSERS and barbers in the North are expected to reopen from July 6, the NI Executive confirmed this evening.

The announcement was part of further planned easing of Covid-19 restrictions outlined by the First and Deputy First Minister today.

Michelle O’Neill, the Deputy First Minister, said, “The latest easements in our rolling programme of relaxations includes the reopening of hairdressers and barbers. This has been a key concern for the public since we embarked on our recovery plan and people will be pleased to know that they can now visit hair salons and barbers from July 6.”

Progress has also been made towards schools returning to normal, with the first pupils going back on August 24.

There are plans to run summer schemes for children with special educational needs and youth service summer programmes for the children of some key workers.

A summer food scheme will be established for those children who normally receive free school meals during term time.

The Executive has also agreed to publish a Childcare Sector Recovery Plan, to restore the sector to pre-Covid-19 levels as quickly and safely as possible to enable working parents to return to their places of employment.

This stepped plan includes childminders being able to provide childcare to four families in their homes at the one time from June 29 with the expectation that childminders will be working to full capacity from September.

Preparations for the re-opening of places of worship for services are also at an advanced stage after First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill met with a representative group of faith leaders yesterday.

An indicative date on June 29 has been agreed for the resumption of religious services

Detailed guidance is being developed on all the relaxations and will be published in advance of the changes.