Are hairdressers and non-essential shops open in Tier 3 lockdown areas?

AS more areas across England are placed into tougher coronavirus restrictions, we explain whether hairdressers and non-essential shops can stay open.

The nation has been divided into a three-tier system with regions now being classed as either medium, high or very high risk.

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Hairdressers are following Covid-secure guidelines including wearing face visors Credit: AFP or licensors

Areas under Tier Three restrictions – which are deemed “very high risk” – face the toughest lockdown measures.

Tier Two areas are classed as “high” risk, while Tier One places are “medium” risk.

But what does it mean for hairdressers and non-essential shops in the strictest Tier Three areas?

We explain the rules and how they affect businesses.

Which areas are under Tier Three lockdown restrictions?

Liverpool, Lancashire and Manchester are classed as “very high” risk Tier Three regions.

Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley will join the Tier Three rating from 00.01 on Saturday October 24.

Can hairdressers stay open in Tier Three areas?

Hairdressers don’t automatically need to shut as part of Tier Three lockdown rules – but they may be told to by local authorities.

This is because councils will work with the government to determine what restrictions should be enforced in their region.

This could include “closing personal care and close contact services” if they’re deemed to be contributing to coronavirus levels in the area.

In Wales, all hairdressers will close from 6pm tonight as the country goes into a “fire-break” lockdown for two weeks.

Northern Ireland has already shut hairdressers as part of a four-week lockdown, introduced last week.

In Scotland, hairdressers are currently open, although First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to make a decision on a new tiered lockdown today.

It hasn’t been revealed which businesses will need to stay open, or which will shut, as part of the plans.

What are the rules for tier three lockdowns?

Millions of Brits will be under Tier Three measures by the weekend as Manchester and South Yorkshire go into tough restrictions.

No mixing of households indoors and outdoors, including in private gardens
Pubs and bars to close
Restaurants, and pubs that can operate as restaurants, allowed to stay open
No wedding receptions
Local politicians will decide if gyms, betting shops, casinos, hairdressers and beauty salons should close
Non-essential shops, schools and universities to remain open
Avoid non-essential travel
Travel outside area advised against
Avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK if resident in a tier three area
People resident elsewhere should avoid staying overnight in a tier three area
Lancashire, including Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen – adult gaming industry, casinos, bingo halls, bookmakers and betting shops, and soft play areas must close while car boot sales are not permitted
Liverpool City Region – gyms, leisure centres, betting shops, casinos and adult gaming centres must close as well

Can non-essential shops stay open in Tier Three areas?

Non-essential shops are allowed to stay open in Tier Three parts of England.

It was a different story when England was placed into a full-on lockdown in March this year, when only shops that were deemed essential could stay open.

In Wales, all non-essential shops will close from 6pm tonight.

But in Northern Ireland, retail shops haven’t been ordered to shut as part of its four-week lockdown – meaning stores can remain open.

Again, it’s unclear what measures Scotland will bring in as part of new tiered lockdown measures that are expected today.