HAIRDRESSERS and salons have reopened in Scotland today – but people in England still have to wait another week to get a haircut.
Punters in Scotland have flocked in their droves from first thing this morning to get their hair cut in the latest round of easing lockdown restrictions.
However, Brits in England will have to wait another seven days until April 12 before getting a fresh set of nails or a haircut.
Under Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown, hairdressers and salons can reopen on April 12 – along with outdoor dining, drinking, and non-essential retail.
Outdoor attractions like zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas will also throw open their doors in one week’s time.
But in Scotland, today’s lockdown easing is the biggest unlocking so far under Nicola Sturgeon‘s route map – with more set to open up in the coming weeks and months.
The First Minister confirmed that the phased return of non-essential retail would begin on Monday, April 5.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney urged people to remember the virus is still circulating and to continue following the rules.
He said: “The virus is down but it’s not yet out, and the last thing we need is to see it making a comeback and undoing all the progress from the massive effort and sacrifices we have all had to make.”
In England, from April 12, the rules will be relaxed to allow 30 people to attend funeral services while weddings and wakes will be allowed to have 15 people.
Overnight stays away from home with your household will also be back on the cards.
Driving tests will also be able to start up again for people keen to get their licence while the number of care home visitors will be increased to two per resident.
Libraries and community centres will also be able to open back up, with the roadmap saying: “All public spaces have important benefits that help create local attachments and sense of belonging to a community.”
However, things still won’t be completely back to to normal, with all the newly opened businesses told they must follow socially distancing rules.
The statement cautioned: “The Government will continue to enforce restrictions and require businesses to demonstrate robust strategies for managing the risk of transmission and to ensure social distancing rules are followed.”
Today, Boris Johnson is set to make four big Covid announcements as he lays out England’s next steps out of lockdown.
The PM is tipped to reveal more on holidays, vaccine passports, lockdown and social distancing.
It comes a week after Brits rejoiced at being able to meet up with five other people outdoors.
The Rule of Six is now back in place, after three long months of only being allowed to socialise with one other person.
Meanwhile, ministers have concluded their work on how the vaccine certificates may work and will meet this morning ahead of the announcement to decide whether to proceed.
They will be required to visit certain countries abroad, but it is not currently known how they might be rolled out domestically.
Essential buildings such as hospitals, GP surgeries and supermarkets are likely to be excluded from any such scheme. They could be optional for other businesses.
The PM stressed again last week any moves towards vaccine passports for domestic use would involve a three-pronged approach of vaccines, tests or proof of antibodies
