For our Members in England
Boris Johnson’s UK Government Press Release
“Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (Tuesday 23 June) set out further changes to lockdown measures in England to enable people to see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs.
From Saturday 4th July, the Prime Minister has announced that pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines.
From the same date, he has set out that two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures, and that people can now enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites.
In order to begin restoring the arts and cultural sector, some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.
Following a review, the Prime Minister has also set out that where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre plus’. This means staying one metre apart, plus mitigations which reduce the risk of transmission.
As we begin to reopen the economy, it’s important that we do not increase the risk of transmission which is why “close proximity” venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas will need to remain closed for now. The Government is continuing to work with these sectors to establish taskforces to help them to become COVID Secure and reopen as soon as possible.
While the infection rate continues to fall, the Prime Minister has been clear that the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep coronavirus under control. The Government will keep all measures under constant review and will not hesitate to apply the handbrake, or reverse measures, should the virus begin to run out of control.
These changes apply in England only.”
Today’s announcement states quite clearly that where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre plus’. This means staying one metre apart, plus mitigations which reduces the risk of transmission. As a consequence, close contact, hands on therapies are not allowed to return to work and that no date has been set as to when this industry might open.
Whilst hairdressing has been given the go ahead to reopen on the 4th July, providing their premises are covid secure, other ‘close proximity’ workplaces e.g. spas may not open, so that the risk of transmission of the virus is kept under control.
We have to await guidance issued by Government and also check with Local Authorities as to when each area can begin to open up and resume practicing.
Please do refer to our guidelines for preparing to return to work which has already been sent out to all of you and can also be found on our website and in our new edition of Reiki World. Please also check this Government website for reopening your business safely https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-reopening
For our Members in Wales
Last updated on 19th June, Mark Drakeford, First Minister has announced steps to unlock Wales. The website states “At the next review on 9 July, the Welsh Government will consider a range of specific options for opening: Self-contained holiday accommodation and Personal care services, such as hairdressing and beauty, by appointment.”
https://gov.wales/first-minister-announces-further-steps-to-unlock-wales.
For our Members in Scotland
The latest update on 18th June from the Deputy First Minister does not give any dates as to when close contact therapies may be practiced again.
For our Members in Northern Ireland
The latest update on 18th June given by The Executive Office states
“The re-opening of hair salon and barbers – July 6.
This also covers close contact businesses as set out in paragraph 14 of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations and includes nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers, tanning services, electrolysis or acupuncture.”
This statement has now been clarified and excludes all hands-on therapies as social distancing remains at 2 metres. No date has been announced as to when these therapies can resume work. We strongly recommend that Practitioners contact their own Local Health Authority for clarification.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19
WHEN CAN REIKI PRACTITIONERS AND TEACHERS RESUME PRACTICE?
We are still awaiting guidance from each respective Government. In addition, and going forward with Covid-19, Local Authorities will be another source of guidance as to whether you can practice in your particular part of the country or not as further virus outbreaks are going to be treated regionally in the first instance. Please ensure you follow all guidelines issued by both Government and Local Authorities as a consequence.
Meanwhile, we have sent out an email to all members about preparing to go back to work, which is also published on our website and will be in the next edition of Reiki World. We are very hopeful that when this lockdown eases further, that we will all be able to go back to work.
As part of preparing to return to work, please read this document issued from the Government
Keeping workers and clients safe during COVID19 in close contact services
COVID-19 secure guidance for employers, employees and the self-employed
23 June 2020
