Time to get booking, lads.

Hairdressers, salons, and other similar personal services will be permitted to reopen on May 10, it has been confirmed. The government considered plans for the reopening of the economy and society earlier today. It was agreed that given the new evidence surrounding outdoor activities, an 'earlier-than-expected' approach would be applied to such services in the hospitality sector and beyond. Addressing the nation, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that hairdressers, barbers, and salons would be prioritised in Ireland's roadmap to reopening the economy. All such businesses will be fully operational in line with Covid guidelines just over one week from now, on May 10. Today's announcement came as a glimmer of hope amidst what will have become an almost five month lockdown across Ireland. At the end of December, all non-essential retail, services, and hospitality closed across the country, for what was then to be an undisclosed amount of time. Speaking this evening, Martin detailed how far the country had come, his hopes for the summer, and the caution that the public must continue to exercise when meeting up with friends and family. Also resuming in May will be click and collect services, with non-essential retail reopening later in the month. Three households will be permitted to meet outdoors and a vaccinated household can meet one unvaccinated one indoors from May 10. June 2 will see the reopening on hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses, while June 7 will mark the long awaited return of outdoor dining in pubs and restaurants. The controversial €9 substantial meal will be scrapped and so-called wet pubs will be permitted to reopen alongside other premises for the first time. Indoor dining should resume in July, but this particular easing of restrictions will depend on public health advice and the number of cases present in Ireland throughout the summer.