Northern Ireland lockdown in place until 5th March

Northern Ireland's lockdown will remain in place until at least Friday 5th March, it has been announced today (21st January).

This means that beauty and hair businesses must not operate, including mobile services in clients' homes. 

Education establishments must also remain closed, including hair and beauty training colleges and schools.

The country's lockdown will be revised on Thursday 18th February.

Beauty and hair businesses in Northern Ireland are being forced to close again for six weeks from close of trading on 24th December, as the country re-enters a lockdown period amid rising COVID-19 cases.

The restrictions apply to all close contact services, including those that take place within clients' homes. 

Non-essential shops will also close at the end of business on Christmas Eve, with a nationwide lockdown commencing on 26th December.

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that the lockdown will be reviewed after four weeks. It is understood that financial supports will be put in place for businesses forced to close. 

Northern Ireland's latest lockdown restrictions also prohibit the mixing of households, no outdoor mixing may take place with other households, and all hospitality except hotels and delivery/takeaway must close. During the first week of the lockdown period, people are also being asked to stay at home after 8pm and essential shops must close at 8pm.