Sheffield beauty salons rejoice after getting green light to reopen, but peer slams vaccine passport proposals

But a Sheffield peer has criticised proposals for a Covid status certification scheme under which people could be asked to produce so-called ‘vaccine passports’ proving they have been vaccinated or tested negative for coronavirus to travel abroad or gain entry to large-scale events.

The Prime Minister today confirmed that the next stage of lockdown easing would go ahead from April 12 as planned, with all the tests having been passed.

Boris Johnson confirms beer gardens, shops, gyms and hairdressers can reopen from next Monday, as lockdown easing gets green light

That means that pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor dining and drinking, non-essential shops can welcome back customers, and people can return to gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons.

Responding to his announcement, Jayne Dunn, who runs the beauty salon Revive in Broomhill, said: “Thank goodness #beautyisback #beautysalons #sheffieldsmallbusiness #sheffieldbeautysalon only 4 weeks work in 6 months, it’s been a rough few months to say the least.”

The Foundry Lounge, in Wincobank, posted on Facebook: “WHOOOP, WHOOP. It’s official. We can finally get back to doing what we love the most!”

Free rapid Covid tests offered to everyone in England twice weekly - how it will work

Emerald Makeup & Lashes, in Killamarsh, said: “And we’re off!!! I can not wait to see you all back in my studio! I’m fully stocked and ready to go!”

The salon added that it was already full booked until April 26 and reminded people that masks would be required throughout appointments and customers would have their temperature taken before entry.

Mr Johnson also gave an update of sorts about what he called Covid status certification.

Covid death in Sheffield one of just 15 recorded across England

He said certification would not be needed to visit shops or beer gardens from next Monday, nor would it be brought in for the next stage of lockdown easing planned for May 17.

But he suggested it may be required after that for people travelling overseas or attending large-scale events like festivals, sports contests or theatre performances.

Liberal Democrat peer Paul Scriven said: “It's clear listening to the No.10 briefing that the PM has again opened his mouth without any connection to his brain... the Covid certification hasn't been thought through and will lead to two types of citizen. It's so un-British and totally impractical.”