[Updated] Spas ordered to close to delay spread of coronavirus

[Update: March 23]: The Government had now specifically named beauty, nail and hair salons in the list of businesses ordered to close. Find out more here.

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"Spas, wellness centres and massage parlours" have been ordered to close their doors as part of Government measures to delay the spread spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). 

In his daily address (on Friday, March 20), the Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined that entertainment and hospitality businesses including pubs, bars and restaurants should close.

Following the announcement, a list has been published on the Gov.uk website to clarify which types of business fall under that heading.

It states:

The following businesses have been asked to close:

• Food and drink venues for consumption on-site, such as restaurants and cafes.
• Drinking establishments, including pubs, bars, nightclubs.
• Entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres, concert halls, and bingo halls.
• Museums and galleries.
• Spas, wellness centres and massage parlours.
• Casinos and betting shops.
• All indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms.

As yet, it is unclear whether the Government is ordering beauty, nail or hair salons, or aesthetic clinics to close at this time. Professional Beauty has requested clarification and will keep this website updated as additional Government advice becomes available. 

It is expected that the legislation to enforce closures will come into force next week and that businesses that fail to comply could face fines of £1,000.

As part of the same Government statement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced a financial support package for workers and businesses. 

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be established to help pay the wages of employees who are unable to work during the outbreak. Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of their workforce who remain on payroll but are temporarily not working. 

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

Find out what other salons and spas have been doing in recent days to safeguard against Coronavirus.

And check here for the latest HR and staff advice for salons during this difficult time