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Hairdressers want their sector to move to Level 4 of the Government Plan to Live with Covid-19.
The Irish Federation of Hairdressers says the recently revamped health and safety guidelines it has issued to members take new information about the virus into account and make it safer for them to operate at a lower level of the plan.
President Danielle Kennedy said: “Since we published our first health and safety document six months ago, a lot has changed in our response to the pandemic.”
“We now know a lot more about how to control it and we decided to review our document together with our health and safety experts.”
Updated guidelines state that hairdressers must wear face masks, not visors, as required by law.
Employees must be aware of the difference between close contact and casual contact to ensure that salons do not close unnecessarily, the guidance also states.
Ongoing employee training is also recommended as the pandemic continues to evolve, while classrooms should be well ventilated with fresh air whenever possible.
The guidelines also say that employees should make sure they are aware of the EU traffic light system regarding customers who have traveled from abroad.
“It is important that we constantly try to review and improve how we respond to the pandemic,” said Ms. Kennedy.
“We hope that the Government will look into this and consider allowing us to remain open at Level 4 of the Living with Covid plan.”
There is concern within the industry that if the incidence of the virus in Ireland spikes over Christmas and the country is forced to re-enter Level 5 restrictions, hair salons along with other non-essential outlets could have to close again. .
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