Covid-19 update: beauty salons in Nottinghamshire to close on October 30 as area enters Tier 3
Beauty salons, nail bars, tanning salons, tattoo parlours, and saunas and steam rooms in Nottinghamshire will be forced to close on October 30 as the area moves into Tier 3 of the Government’s Covid-19 alert level for lockdowns.
As well as the standard Tier 3 measures set out by the Government, local leaders have agreed a menu of extra measures not seen in other areas in this lockdown level, which include the closure of “personal care settings such as tattoo parlours, tanning and nail salons”, alongside betting shops, car boot sales and auction houses.
Hairdressers and barbers can remain open but can’t carry out any “personal care” work, such as brow treatments. Gyms and leisure centres are allowed to remain open but it is “strongly advised” that group exercise does not take place.
“We have seen infection rates rising sharply across Nottinghamshire and in close collaboration with local leaders we have agreed on a package of local measures to stop this virus in its tracks,” said health secretary Matt Hancock.
“I understand how difficult life is under these restrictions and the impact they have on families and businesses, but we never take these decisions lightly.”
Local government minister Chris Pincher commented: “We are very conscious that these new restrictions will have a huge impact on those living and working in the county, but this action is vital and is based on public health advice.
“In order to support local people, businesses and the councils, we worked together to agree an extensive package of support.”
Beauty salons and spas in Wales have also been forced to close their doors for two weeks from October 23 and beauty and hair salons in Northern Ireland were forced to shut from October 16 for four weeks.
Industry reactions:
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) said it’s “seeking urgent clarification” following this news report and is advising businesses to contact their local council on whether their salon is affected.
Lizzie Bath, spa director at Ye Olde Bell in Retford, Nottinghamshire, said: “The new measures contradict what has been put in place in other regions. Why have these measures only been put in place in Nottinghamshire?
“We’re questioning what scientific evidence has led to the closure of sauna and steam rooms in Nottinghamshire only? They were deemed safe on October 1, so we are left asking what new evidence do they have?"
Bath added: “As a business, we have put so many procedures in place to protect staff and customers. As standard in the industry, every fully trained therapist is taught infection control and how to reduce the chances of spreading viruses.
“We are adapting to new restrictions and measures to ensure we follow all the guidelines and appreciate the situation is constantly evolving. However, we are frustrated as it can seem like restrictions are plucked out of the air at the moment."
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