Webinar planned to inform the hair and beauty industry how to safely reopen

Hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, nail technicians and tattoo artists can find out all they need to know about how to reopen safely with an online event on Thursday, 8 April.

The personal care sector is likely to be able to open to customers on Monday, 12 April, and the webinar will advise how to do so safely.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is holding a webinar for the personal care and beauty sector at 10.30am on 8 April to outline the legal requirements, as well as what to do should there be an outbreak.

Topics to be covered will include rules on face coverings, collecting customer contact details, social distancing and hygiene, as well as how to look after staff facilities, such as break rooms or toilets, and advice on vehicle sharing.

There will also be information about what to do if a member of staff tests positive for COVID-19 along with a toolkit to help the employer through managing an outbreak, from employee testing and business contact tracing to self-isolation advice and information on financial support for people self-isolating.

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "It is exciting that our shops are likely to be able to reopen on 12 April and the personal care and beauty sector is a large part of our high street.

“We appreciate that there is uncertainty as to how businesses can keep customers and staff safe and this webinar is designed to address all of those issues and help us all keep down infection rates”

Andy Challinor, Regulatory Services Business Manager at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "The personal care and beauty industry is a vital part of our economy that is great for our wellbeing. The sector is a vital and integral part of every high street and so this webinar aims to help businesses open safely and, importantly, stay safe.

“I’d urge every business to watch - it will be broadcast live but also there to watch again later - as it will cover all you need to know and everything that you need to do”

The webcast will be streamed live at 10.30am on Thursday, 8 April, and will be available to watch again later. For more information visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/reopeningwebinar.

Anyone who would like to ask a question before or during the webinar can email: regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

For more information about support available for businesses, including contact tracing resources and advice on restrictions, visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/coronavirus and click on how to get help to find the support for businesses and employers section.