CEO of Hair and Beauty Confederation says “lockdown four is not an option” after 10 May reopening

She wants to see the rollout of rapid antigen testing for salon workers.

CEO of the Hair and Beauty Confederation has said that "lockdown four is not an option" after hair salons reopen their doors on 10 May. Under a plan approved by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Covid-19 and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) sent to Government on Wednesday night, hairdressers and barbers are likely to be greenlit for a 10 May reopening. However, Margaret Doherty O’Rourke, CEO of the Hair and Beauty Confederation, said that while the positive news has been long-awaited, closing salons again once opened would be detrimental to businesses. Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast she said: “We’re very excited to welcome all our customers back. “Lockdown four is not an option, the use of antigen testing as another tool to protect against Covid-19 is really needed.” Doherty O'Rourke also said hairdressers want to see the State implement rapid antigen testing for workers "who have significant face-to-face interaction with members of the public". "We expect the Government to fund and implement lateral flow testing." The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 met on Wednesday night to discuss the National Public Health Emergency Team's (NPHET) recommendations for the reopening of Ireland's economy yesterday evening. It is understood that the National Public Health Emergency Team gave the go-ahead for a major easing of restrictions over the coming weeks and months, including the reopening of inter-country travel from 10 May. However, NPHET noted that there should be no major easing of restrictions until 10 May at the earliest to allow Covid-19 case numbers to continue being reviewed. The suggested reopening dates and proposals will go to the Cabinet on Thursday morning, where Government officials will have to sign off on the suggested timeline. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to make an official announcement this evening at 6pm in an address to the nation, however, a number of changes have been predicted to be on the cards already. Here's everything we know so far.