Confirmed: all salons now ordered to close in Government coronavirus prevention measures

Beauty, nail and hair salons have been specifically named among those ordered by Government to close as the UK enters the next phase in measures to fight coronavirus.

Following Friday's announcement that spas should close to delay the spread of Covid-19, there was uncertainty about what this meant for beauty and nail salons. While a huge number took Friday's annoucement as a cue to shut their doors, many others remained open.

However, the new guidance announced tonight (March 23) leaves no doubt that beauty, nail and hair salons must now also close.

The Government’s new list of the additional businesses now ordered to close names:
• all non-essential retail stores - this will include clothing and electronics stores; hair, beauty and nail salons; and outdoor and indoor markets, excluding food markets.

The new measures will last for three weeks initially but could be extended.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced these measures as part of an unprecedented speech that also stated all UK citizens should now only leave the house for one of four reasons:
• Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
• One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
• Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
• Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

In his historic address, the Prime Minister also said: "If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings."

Read our full guide to financial support available to salons and spas during Coronavirus here.

Here is what you need to know about looking after your staff: HR and staff advice for salons during coronavirus