Scotland's lockdown until at least end of February

Hair and beauty businesses in Scotland must remain closed until at least the end of February, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced today (2nd February).

Educational establishments, including those offering beauty, hair and complementary therapy courses, must also remain closed.

In an address to the Scottish parliament, Ms Sturgeon said she was "cautiously optimistic" that a gradual easing of restrictions may be able to commence around the start of March. 

The restrictions will be reviewed and a further announcement made on 16th February.

Beauty and hair businesses in Scotland, along with the industry's educational establishments, will remain closed until at least mid-February. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement today (19th January) following a cabinet meeting, and said that a review of the current Level 4 lockdown covering mainland Scotland and the Isle of Skye will take place on 2nd February. 

Out of the Scottish Islands currently under Level 3 restrictions, Barra and Vatersay will now move into Level 4. Close contact services and education are permitted to operate under Scotland's Level 3 Measures.

Under Level 4 lockdown it is a legal requirement to stay at home except for essential purposes. 

All beauty and hair businesses in mainland Scotland and the Isle of Skye will be closed until at least the end of January, as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon places the country into a full lockdown from midnight tonight (4th January 2021).

Other island areas placed in Level 3 of restrictions will remain in Level 3. Close contact services and education are permitted to operate in Scotland's Level 3 Measures.

The lockdown means that it will be a legal requirement to stay at home except for essential purposes. Schools and training facilities will be closed; this will be reviewed on 18th January with a view to schools and training establishments reopening on 1st February. 

Read Nicola Sturgeon's full statement here.

Hair and beauty businesses, and all other close contact services, located in mainland Scotland must close from Boxing Day, as Level 4 restrictions come into place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

From 26th December at 0.00am, all areas of mainland Scotland will enter Level 4 restrictions which includes the closure of all non-essential retail and close contact services, including those operating on a mobile basis. This period will last for three weeks, reviewed after two weeks.

Speaking today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the move to Level 4, the country's strictest restrictions, was part of the country's “preventative action” as a new strain of COVID-19 has been identified.

If you are unsure about whether your business can operate, please contact your Local Authority, and continue to follow Scottish government guidelines.