Hairdressers reopen and children return to school as lockdown eases in Wales
More pupils are also returning to school in Scotland.
Hairdressers will be allowed to reopen in Wales and primary school children are set to return to the classroom as some coronavirus restrictions are eased today.
Salons and barbers can finally open to customers for the first time in 2021, although they can only be served by appointment and services will be restricted to haircuts only.
It marks the first lifting of rules for close contact services since Wales entered lockdown on December 20, with businesses like nail parlours and beauty salons expected to remain shut until at least April 12.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said on Friday that hairdressing businesses would be allowed to reopen because they have ‘gone through everything that is needed in order to operate safely’.
Monday will also see primary school pupils return to classrooms for the first time this year, joining those in foundation years who returned last month, while face-to-face teaching will also resume for learners in years 11 and 13.
Teachers can also invite learners in years 10 and 12 back to school in order to support their learning, while all other years will be allowed to ‘check in’ with teachers on a limited number of days before a full school return from April 12.
It comes after Wales’ ‘stay-at-home’ restrictions were lifted on Saturday, as the country moved to a ‘stay local’ period, with travel restrictions expected to be eased further in time for Easter.
The country’s seven-day case rate on Sunday stood at 39 cases per 100,000 people, the lowest of any in the United Kingdom.
More pupils are also returning to school in Scotland, with children in primaries four to seven joining younger classmates who were the first to go back to school on February 22.
Senior secondary school pupils required to attend for practical work for qualifications were able to return from the same date.
Now, all high school students will be able head back to the classroom part-time, as part of a blended learning model meaning they will continue to do some learning at home until after the Easter break.
Secondary school pupils are required to observe two-metre social distancing in school and on school transport as well as wearing face coverings.
Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the plans in a speech to MSPs on March 2 and has repeatedly stressed that having pupils return to school is her lockdown easing priority.
She previously defended the partial return for secondary school pupils, despite being told some youngsters could spend less than two hours a week in the classroom.
In England, pupils in all year groups returned to classrooms on March 8, with outdoor after-school sports and activities also allowed to restart.
The next big lifting of restrictions is expected to take place on March 29 when larger groups will be allowed to gather in parks and gardens.
The ‘rule of six’ will return, along with new measures allowing two households, totalling no more than six people, to meet.
People will still be advised to work from home where they can and no overseas travel, besides that necessary for work purposes, will be allowed.
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