Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Egoitz Bengoetxea

Hairdressers and barbers should be allowed reopen at end of month, NPHET recommends

This recommendation will be subject to Cabinet approval tomorrow.

LAST UPDATE | 18 Jun 2020

HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS should allowed to reopen at the end of the month, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has recommended. 

The Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan and his team met earlier today to advise the government on what should be in Phase Three and Phase Four of the roadmap for easing the lockdown.

In recent weeks, it was confirmed that there will only be four phases, rather than five, meaning that some measures will be fast-tracked.

Government sources had said they are hopeful that the date at which hairdressers can reopen, which is currently set for 20 July, will be moved forward.

NPHET has now recommended to the government that hairdressers and barbers should be allowed to reopen at the end of the month. 

This recommendation will be subject to Cabinet approval tomorrow. 

NPHET’s recommendation comes after the Irish Hairdressers Federation published guidelines recently which it says would allow hair salons to reopen safely in Phase Three, which is due on 29 June.

There are over 100 specific recommendations within the document to safeguard staff and customers.

Earlier this week, Business Minister Heather Humphreys said she had a “good conversation” with representatives from the hairdressing, barbers and beauty sectors.

She said a lot of work had been put in by the sector to develop protocols to ensure they can reopen and operate safely, once public health advice allows.

It is believed that NPHET was to take all the factors into account before making their recommendation to government.

Infectious diseases expert Professor Sam McConkey told LMFM today that hairdressers  should be allowed to open under Phase Three on 29 June, once masks are worn and hygiene standards are maintained.

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Health Minister Simon Harris said:

“I would like to see the hairdressers open as quickly as possible. However, I will not on the floor of the Dáil pre-empt what NPHET might advise government on tomorrow.”

He said NPHET will advise government as to what might fit in Phase 3 and Phase 4 today.

“It is then for government to make its decision. I hope government will be in a position to decide on the remaining phases and therefore provide the direct answer on Friday. That is my hope,” he said.

NPHET was also to consider today the protocols in place for reopening pubs, taking into consideration the HSPC advice and Fáilte Ireland guidelines which state that the two metre rule can be reduced to one metre for some areas of the hospitality sector.

Pubs will be permitted to reduce the two metre social distancing rule to one metre when they reopen if the length of a customer’s stay is restricted to two hours, it was confirmed last night.

Weddings and the number of people that are allowed to attend ceremonies was also due to be considered today.

Health Minister Simon Harris asked NPHET to carry out a body of work on weddings so as to provide clarity to brides and grooms who are trying to plan their big day.

Last month, the minister said it is “highly unlikely” 100 people would be allowed at a wedding by July.

According to the government roadmap out of lockdown, small weddings would be permitted by Phase Four which is due to begin on 20 July. However, the chief medical officer has confirmed that weddings will be an issue taken into consideration when discussing the amalgamation of the phases.

The minister said he hoped to be in a position to provide clarity on a number of issues then.

With reporting by Hayley Halpin

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
34 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seamus West
    Favourite Seamus West
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 4:39 PM

    The headline “Ireland’s proximity to Europe…”, I alawys thought we were in Europe!!

    93
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gar.
    Favourite Gar.
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 5:29 PM

    So what if its only one job. Every job created needs to be advertised to get people’s spirits up. Some moaners love doom and gloom.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute vv7k7Z3c
    Favourite vv7k7Z3c
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 5:30 PM

    Nicely said Gar!

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute stupidlambu
    Favourite stupidlambu
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 5:39 PM

    Af for god sake people cop on and wake up this is nothing in the scheme of things and also it is over 3yrs and we dont know if they are well paying or not.

    12
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maria Farrell
    Favourite Maria Farrell
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 5:49 PM

    @ Stupidlambu
    It’s not about how long they take to create all the jobs or how well they pay. I come from Kells and this will be a huge boost to the town. The loss of Quinn Insurance and the collapse of the construction industry was a massive blow to employment for young people in the town. I personally welcome any new employment opportunities for my friends and family.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute richardmccarthy
    Favourite richardmccarthy
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 6:43 PM

    You might call this negative, but as long as people in this country cant be bothered to get up off their a***s and provide themselves with employment by their own enterprising efforts ,they will continue to always rely on others to provide the jobs.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mgt Helena Byrne
    Favourite Mgt Helena Byrne
    Report
    May 28th 2013, 12:48 AM

    So true!!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Byrne
    Favourite Martin Byrne
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 4:37 PM

    Next they will be announcing that the local chipper employed someone.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Garrigan
    Favourite Mark Garrigan
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 4:30 PM

    Woo hoo!All them jobs over the next 3 years….Well done

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute marcus de paor
    Favourite marcus de paor
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 4:27 PM

    The government has an action plan for jobs ?…. now that’s news. .. though it was just an action plan for debt hobbling and emigration. … still good news for kells and it’s people…. lovely town

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Scrap Croke Park1
    Favourite Scrap Croke Park1
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 4:46 PM

    Don’t want to cynical but why must all employees come from the live register? Are these JobBridge positions? €50 a week jobs?

    Let’s hope they’re real jobs but here’s another question. If its part of the Succeed-In-Ireland program who gets the €1,500+ reward per job? No problem if it’s a genuine effort on someone’s part to get this company here but would love to know if they have FG connections

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hubert Morris
    Favourite Hubert Morris
    Report
    May 28th 2013, 10:56 AM

    I will and I’m a member of FF party

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adam Hurley
    Favourite Adam Hurley
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 4:56 PM

    Moan Moan Moan Moan Moan….now I feel like I fit in.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vincent Dolan
    Favourite Vincent Dolan
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 5:29 PM

    You need to throw in a “unsecured bond holders” somewhere to truly belong…

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute W.j.d.
    Favourite W.j.d.
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 5:55 PM

    If only 1 person gets to stay and live in the country of their birth…. It’s a start….

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Hickey
    Favourite Declan Hickey
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 5:55 PM

    Sweet Jesus where are the muppets in government when 70 jobs are lost at once? Oh wait…they couldn’t be arsed.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Carr
    Favourite Declan Carr
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 6:11 PM

    Good news for the people of Kells that is if any of the people of Kells get the any of the jobs, and do you have any idea what year it is going to happen?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pablo
    Favourite Pablo
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 6:50 PM

    What is basalt fibre and what is it used for? Sounds like there will be manufacturing at the plant and thats a good thing..

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jangles
    Favourite Jangles
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 9:13 PM

    Its replacing the local hemp fibre industry recently busted by the Gardai.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pablo
    Favourite Pablo
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 9:58 PM

    Put my name down for a job so. Ill bring me own lamps..

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Copas
    Favourite Mark Copas
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 6:26 PM

    Wondering here when next big business shuts will minister be there for photos. Ida is bankrolling all new business. Fecking joke

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Lawlor
    Favourite Michael Lawlor
    Report
    May 28th 2013, 2:17 PM

    Some people just love pissing and moaning about everything… probably why the country has always messed up to many whiners with negative outlooks.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Bowden
    Favourite Jack Bowden
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 9:11 PM

    Anyone know what Basalt Fibre is?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Bowden
    Favourite Jack Bowden
    Report
    May 27th 2013, 9:19 PM

    I googled it. It’s a bit like fibreglass but has different properties.
    There is no basalt in Meath though, as far as I know. Antrim is the only place in the island you find basalt.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Arbuthnot Fink
    Favourite Arbuthnot Fink
    Report
    May 28th 2013, 2:21 AM

    BASALT!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds