Several areas throughout England, including the Liverpool City Region and Lancashire, are currently under tier 3 restrictions. The tougher coronavirus lockdown restrictions mean that pubs and bars which do not operate as restaurants have had to close. You must also not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting, including private homes, unless they are part of your household or support bubble. However, there are exceptions to going inside another person’s household, including for work purposes such as mobile hairdressing. Here’s what you need to know. Can mobile hairdressers work in tier 3? Hairdressers and barber shops in tier 3 areas are currently able to remain open, with mobile hair and beauty businesses also able to operate. A spokesperson for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said: “The Government recognises that for providers of in-home services, it is often not possible to work from home. “Workers in these circumstances can continue to go into other households for work under current restrictions while observing the Government’s COVID-secure guidance.” However, in some of the ‘very high alert level’ areas, the government could agree additional measures in consultation with local authorities in order to reduce the spread of the virus. This could then include closing personal care and close contact services or prohibiting the highest-risk activities. The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) said, “Close contact services, including mobile hair and beauty businesses are permitted under Tier 3 restrictions. “In ‘very high’ areas further restrictions can be applied in consultation with local leaders. This means it is possible that mobile hair and beauty businesses may be told to close, although this hasn’t happened yet.” The NHBF “strongly urges” all mobile and freelance hair, beauty and barber professionals to make sure that they are fully up to date with the government guidelines regarding providing services in a client’s home. These can be found on the NHBF website. What about tiers 1 and 2? Mobile hairdressers, beauticians and massage therapists can all continue to operate in tier 1 and 2 areas as long as they follow Covid-secure guidelines. These include discussing the need to social distance from others in the household during their work visit. Do mobile hairdressers have to wear face masks and visors? Hairdressers are regarded as providing ‘close contact services’, and it is currently mandatory in law for people providing a close contact service to wear a clear visor or goggles and a Type II Face Mask. A Type II face mask is not PPE, but will reduce potential transmission to others when used correctly. Gov.uk explains, “The person providing a service (such as hairdressers or beauticians), because of the period of time spent in close proximity to a person’s face, mouth and nose should therefore take further precautions to protect clients. This must take the form of a clear visor/goggles and a Type II face mask.” Clear visors cover the face, but must fit the user and be worn properly. They should cover the forehead, extend below the chin, and wrap around the side of the face. A re-usable visor must be cleaned and disinfected between each client using normal cleaning products. Goggles can be used as an alternative to a clear visor, but they must be close fitting with no obvious openings or vents that could allow droplets to enter the eyes. Reusable eye protection should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A Type II face mask should be worn with the visor or goggles. A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title, The Star.
