Scottish hair and beauty businesses to re-open from 26 April

Scottish personal care businesses, including hair salons and beauty stores are expected to be able to re-open their doors from 26 April, as part of a gradual easing of restrictions on non-essential retail.

Businesses and the public will be required to comply with “at least level 3” restrictions following the end of lockdown, in a bid to keep the virus suppressed while vaccines continue to be rolled out.

Setting out Scotland’s exit from lockdown, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our intent remains to suppress the virus to the lowest possible level and keep it there, while we strive to return to a more normal life for as many people as possible.

“The Strategic Framework is deliberately cautious at this stage but in the coming weeks, if the data allows and positive trends continue, we will seek to accelerate the easing of restrictions.”

There is likely to be a gap of at least three weeks between each easing of restrictions to assess the impact of changes.

Earlier this week UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that non-essential retailers in England would be permitted to open on 12 April.

Wales is currently under lockdown, with measures reviewed every three weeks.

On 19 February 2021, the Welsh government announced that the reopening of close contact services would be considered at the next three-week review.