I have been contacted about the reopening of close contact businesses.
I know people would like more businesses to open and have questions about why one type of business can open while others must remain closed. I have raised this with Ministers and am told they are engaging with business leaders to find ways of opening things up further.
The Government has been taking a phased, cautious approach to reopening the economy, so as not to risk a second peak of the virus. As of 4 July 2020, certain close contact businesses can reopen provided that they have taken clear steps to ensure their premises are Covid-19 Secure. These include hairdressers and barbers, alongside tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers which were able to reopen as of 15 June 2020.
Unfortunately, other close-contact businesses including beauty salons, nail bars, tattoo and massage studios, physical therapy businesses and spas, had been unable to reopen at that point. However, I am pleased that as of 13 July these businesses have been able to reopen, also provided that they adhere to Covid-19 Secure guidance.
This is as a direct result of the Business Secretary working closely with industry taskforces representing non-essential retail, including salons and other close contact services, to develop Covid-19 Secure guidance so they can reopen safely.
The full Covid-19 Secure guidance can be found online at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19 .
As you'll see, employees performing close-contact services should wear additional protection to the protective equipment they usually wear, such as a clear visor that covers the face, or the use of a screen that provides a barrier to respiratory droplets from patient or employee.
I am pleased that, following the initial reopening’s on 4 July, further reopening’s were prioritised and many livelihoods have now been restored. Measures will continue to be kept under review to ensure safety of staff and patients comes first.
If any businesses in Broxtowe have concerns, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
