Hairdressers and barbers given date they can reopen - social distancing amongst children in education to be reduced from two to one metre

The Northern Ireland Executive has confirmed a date when hairdressers, barbers and nail salons can reopen in Northern Ireland.
Salon owner Andrew Mulvenna makes preparations at his salon in Belfast, ahead of future guidelines regarding the reopening of salons, barbers and hairdressers.Salon owner Andrew Mulvenna makes preparations at his salon in Belfast, ahead of future guidelines regarding the reopening of salons, barbers and hairdressers.
Salon owner Andrew Mulvenna makes preparations at his salon in Belfast, ahead of future guidelines regarding the reopening of salons, barbers and hairdressers.

Hairdressers and barbers in Northern Ireland will be permitted to reopen for the first time since March on July 6, confirmed First Minister, Arlene Foster.

Mrs. Foster also said places of worship could reopen for services from June 29.

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The announcements were delivered by First Minister Foster and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, at the daily coronavirus briefing on Thursday afternoon.

Another measure to be announced was that social distancing guidelines will be reduced from two metres to one for children returning to school at the end of August.

The one metre social distancing rule will apply only to children and not teachers who will continue to adhere to the two metres guideline.

Health Minister, Robin Swann, has also paused measures designed to help thousands of people who have spent several months shielding.

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From July 31, subject to the rate of community transmission continuing to be low, people will no longer need to shield and should instead follow the same guidance and precautions as those considered to be generally vulnerable. That involves taking particular care when out and about - and strictly maintaining social distancing.

Letters will be issued in the coming days to all those covered by shielding informing them of the planned change.

Mr Swann stated: “I have been clear that shielding would not last one minute longer than it needed to. We have now reached the point where, if the current trends continue, there will be no need for anyone to shield after 31 July.

“I have listened to many of you and to the challenges you have faced during this period. I am in no doubt as to the difficulties shielding has presented for a great many people.

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“It is unrealistic to think these difficulties will just vanish because the need to shield has ended. That is why the letters we issue will provide details of the support which will continue to be available up to and after 31 July.

“While my announcement today will be welcome news for many who are shielding, some will view the prospect of an end to shielding with great anxiety. I want to assure them that they should decide what to do at their own pace. Everyone will approach this situation differently.

“As is so often the case at present, this will be about weighing up the options and making informed choices. Going outside can bring some degree of potential risk but this can be mitigated and minimised by strict social distancing. Staying indoors indefinitely is not good for anyone’s mental or physical health.

“Finally, I would ask everyone to be considerate as people end their periods of shielding.

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"We should all continue to social distance, but in the coming weeks I want you to be particularly understanding of the fact you might be encountering someone who has had to stay at home for many weeks. Please be aware of this, show respect and kindness to all and keep your distance.”