Irish hair and beauty industry to remain closed until at least April

The Irish Government has published its revised Living with Covid-19 plan, with the country to remain on full Level 5 restrictions until at least 5 April, when there will be a review to examine the potential for easing the measures.

This means that Irish hair, beauty and spa businesses will be closed until after Easter at the earliest. The current lockdown was originally due to end in early March, however high levels of Covid-19, and the need to reopen schools first, have led to the decision to keep the country on the most severe level of restrictions.

The new plan is not a repeat of last year’s roadmap out of lockdown, which set out dates for the reopening of different parts of society. Each step in it will be followed by a break to assess the impact of resuming activities.

As the number of Covid-19 cases decreases, and the vaccine rollout gets underway, non-essential retail such as hair and beauty salons will be among the first sectors to be allowed to reopen.

Industry reaction

The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) has assured its members that it will continue to lobby for an earlier reopening.

“Personal grooming services have not been a significant contributor to the Covid-19 community transmission figures,” said Margaret O'Rourke Doherty, CEO, Habic. “With the significant rise in black market activity, we believe that these services should only be delivered in a controlled and professional environment. Therefore, noting the low levels of transmission, and in line with other countries, we believe salons should be reopened no later than April.”

O’Rourke Doherty also noted that in order to save thousands of vulnerable SMEs and jobs, there needs to be an enhanced urgency in the vaccine rollout, while the use of antigen testing should be used as a tool to support businesses to reopen.

“If the Government continues to shut businesses, then they must offer additional financial supports such as a doubling of the Covid-19 Restrictions Support Scheme payment, and continuance of other schemes,” she added.

The Irish Spa Association (ISA) said that the news of continued restrictions is disappointing. “We met with Government representatives in early February and called for a number of measures,” said ISA co-founder Anita Murray. “In light of the fact we now face extended restrictions, our points are more urgent and an immediate review is required to safeguard businesses and the livelihoods they support.”