HAIRDRESSERS IN Ireland have got the go-ahead to open three weeks earlier than planned, sources in the Government have confirmed.
From 29 June, hairdressers, barbers and possibly beauticians will be allowed to open their doors to the public following lobbying from the sector which put forward plans to introduce strict social distancing and extensive use of PPE gear by both staff and customers.
A consistent drop in new daily Covid-19 cases resulted in the Government announcing the acceleration of the phased reopening of the country last week, with Phase 5 scrapped altogether and pubs that serve food allowed to reopen on 29 June, with remaining businesses, including night clubs and cinemas, to open on 20 July rather than 10 August.
Hairdressers, barbers and beauticians had always been set to reopen on 20 July, and the decision not to accelerate the reopening of the beauty sector was source of disappointment to staff and customers alike, however, it is understood that hairdressers and barbers will now be allowed to open on 29 June.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had insisted that the beauty sector would be among the last to reopen, due to the close and prolonged contact between a hairdresser/barber and customer.
Minister for Culture Josepha Madigan had argued in favour of moving the reopening of hairdressers, barbers and beauticians to phase 3, 29 June, and representatives from the sector have held multiple meetings with Business Minister Heather Humphreys in recent weeks.
The Government is expected to confirm the announcement later today.
