“Spas and salons are like hospitals right now," said the group.

Recent closures will cause “irreparable devastation” to the beauty and spa sector, the Irish Spa Association has warned. All hairdressers, salons, and spas will close from December 24 as the country begins its staggered re-entry into Level 5 restrictions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the news yesterday, stating that salons, restaurants, and pubs serving food will close from 3pm tomorrow. Other forms of retail will be permitted to stay open but will be deterred from having sales. The Irish Spa Association has called the move “not justified” and “poorly thought out” and has urged the government to reconsider its decision. They added that there is “no evidence” of Covid-19 outbreaks in Irish spas and salons and that staff’s use of PPE and implementation of hygiene measures has been “fastidious.” “If mental health is the rationale for keeping gyms - and we’re in the middle of a burgeoning mental-health crisis - beauty salons and spas should not be forced to close,” said Peigin Crowley co-founder of Irish Spa Association. “Spas and salons are like hospitals right now and PPE is worn by staff members; while clients agree to temperature checks and pre visit declarations.” “We implore government to reconsider the decision to close essential personal care services, we are not aware of any public health evidence or test and trace evidence to suggest this is a decision based in transmission within our sector. This confirms the PPE measures and controlled environment we manage have been effective in preventing transmission of the virus.” Co-founder Anita Murray added that further closures will increase the prevalence of the so-called black market, as unregulated treatments are carried out in homes. “The statistics tell us that the world is not facing a single pandemic with Covid-19, but several,” she said. “The stress, obesity, mental health, economic and social pandemic is real. Please don’t make the cure worse than the disease for us.” Salons are due to be closed until at least January 12. You can find a full list of closures here.