Face coverings in salons mandatory in England

The mandatory wearing of face coverings in salons will be reintroduced from Tuesday 30th November in England, as the UK government announced temporary and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Face coverings must be worn by clients, staff and visitors to salons, hairdressers, beauty therapists and other wellness settings unless individuals are exempt from doing so. Those who do not wear masks, unless exempt, could be liable to fines starting from £200 each.

Face covering wearing had become a matter of choice in England after ‘Freedom Day' on 19th July. However the wearing of face masks has remained mandatory in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where the guidance remains unchanged.

For education providers in England, the government is recommending the wearing of face coverings for staff and students when moving around the building and in common areas, but not in classrooms or workshop areas.

These decisions regarding the wearing of face coverings in England will be reviewed in three weeks' time. 

The latest government guidance for those working in close contact services can be found online.