Hairdressers and beauticians reopen as Northern Ireland takes further steps out of lockdown

by Q Radio News and James Ward, PA

The reopening of scores of close-contact services in Northern Ireland after a four-month lockdown has been hailed as a “good day” by the Economy Minister.

Outdoor visitor attractions, hairdressers and beauty salons are trading again, while driving lessons are resuming, along with theory and practical tests.

Competitive sport can take place outdoors with numbers not exceeding 100, but spectators will not be allowed.

Stormont Economy Minister Diane Dodds said it is a “good day, and an even better day for the economy”.

Mrs Dodds was speaking to the media during a visit to the Natural Hair Company salon in Lisburn, Co Antrim.

“It’s the start of a road back to rebuilding and recovering our economy and a bit of normality,” she said.

“It has been an absolutely torrid year, particularly for our retail, for these close-contact services. The cycle of lockdowns has been really, really devastating.

“We want to see the economy reopen safely, we want to see it reopen sustainably, and we want to move forward.

“Next week is another momentous week, and we will reopen all of retail, reopen hospitality outdoors and reopen self-contained accommodation. It’s a really big step forward.”

🎥 Economy Minister @DianeDoddsMLA has hailed the reopening of scores of close contact services in Northern Ireland after a four-month lockdown as a “good day”.

The minister says it’s the start of a road back to rebuilding and recovering the economy and a bit of normality. pic.twitter.com/8zexPXzXb3

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 23, 2021

Tattoo artists are among close contact services able to resume today - Getty Images 

On Thursday, First Minister Arlene Foster said the exit from lockdown will move faster if possible.

She said the Executive will “keep looking to see if we can move faster”.

Reunited with my hairdresser, hope you’ve all got your appointments sorted too.

Best of luck to our hairdressers, barbers and close contact services reopening today! pic.twitter.com/uOoYUTlGeg

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) April 23, 2021

Further restrictions are to be lifted next week, when pubs and restaurants can serve customers in outdoor settings, in groups of six, from no more than two households.

All non-essential retail will return, and takeaways and off-licences will have curfews lifted.

Self-contained tourist accommodation, such as caravans and rented holiday homes, will be allowed to operate.

Gyms and swimming pools will reopen for individual activities.

The limit on outdoor gatherings in domestic gardens will increase to 15 people from no more than three households.

Hair salons and beauticians can reopen from today. Getty Images 

Ciaran Sloan is launching Barbers Lane Male Grooming in Camlough, County Armagh after the initial opening was pushed back because of coronavirus regulations. 

He says the silver lining of pent up demand means he’s fully booked from day one. 

"Since we got a confirmation date to reopen we've been covering all social media platforms plus all new signage. 

"Since we got a confirmation date to open we've been covering all social media platforms plus all new signage. 

"We've also opened a new online booking system which is helping with bookings and controlling of clients 

"We are very aware the virus is still about and we are encouraging all clients to come along and wear PPE. 

"All our staff are in full PPE uniforms."

Ciaran Sloan, Barbers Lane Male Grooming

The easing of restrictions around competitive sport have also been widely welcomed. 

Sport organised by a club affiliated to a sporting body is now extended to include full squad training. 

Georgia Crawford plays for Larne ladies Football Club.

She says the team intends to make up for lost time. 

"After the year we have all had, we are absolutely buzzing to get back to football and back to competitive matches. 

"we've been doing some pre season work individually during lockdown and its great to finally be together as a team again 

"We are all very eager to get stuck in.

"We have made some great signing this year and all the girls are hungry for promotion. I'm really excited to see what this season brings for us all."

Georgia Crawford, Larne Ladies Football Club

More restrictions are set to be lifted on May 24, although these are subject to review.

From that date, pubs and restaurants can operate indoors, people will be allowed to gather in homes and indoor attractions can reopen.

Other tourist accommodation such as hotels and B&Bs can also reopen.

Wedding receptions and post-burial events can take place in indoor hospitality venues, after appropriate risk assessments are undertaken.