Salons and spas in Wales to close from Friday in “Fire Break” Covid-19 lockdown

Beauty salons, spas and mobile therapists will have to close their businesses for just over two weeks from 6pm on Friday evening (October 23) as the Welsh government introduces a lockdown across the nation.

Under the new rules, all residents of Wales must work from home unless they are critical workers. 

All non-essential retail, gyms, leisure centres, bars, restaurants and hospitality must close. This group includes close contact services, such as hair and beauty salons.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said that the “fire break” lockdown measures would finish on November 9 and will not be extended beyond that. 

"The fire-break is the shortest we can make it, but that means it will have to be sharp and deep to have the maximum impact on the virus," he said.

"Everyone in Wales will be required to stay at home. All non-essential businesses will have to close."

He added: “Here in Wales, this is the moment to come together, to play our part in a common endeavour to do everything we can to protect the NHS and to save lives.”

Under the new rules, primary schools will reopen on November 2, after the half-term break, but secondary schools will remain closed for all pupils other than those in years seven and eight. Childcare facilities can also remain open.

The rules also mean that no gatherings between households may take place during the lockdown period, either indoors or outside. 

The Welsh government also announced a £300m economic resilience fund to help businesses through the shutdown.