This is when spas could reopen in England - and the new safety measures that may in be place

Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers reopened their doors to the public on 4 July in England, but spas currently remain closed. But could spas also be reopening soon? Here’s what you need to know. When will spas reopen? You might be wondering when you’ll be able to treat yourself to a pamper day, a dip in the jacuzzi, or a massage. However, at the moment there is no date for when spas will reopen in England, and although parts of the hospitality industry are reopening, spas look likely to be one of the last in the sector to reopen. How long have spas been closed? Spas have been closed since the country entered into lockdown on 23 March, but due to them having so many shared facilities, with treatments usually requiring close contact, they remain closed for now. Spas also usually feature a range of water facilities, including hot tubs, jacuzzis and swimming pools, but pools in England currently remain closed. Swim England has issued its Returning to the Pool advice ahead of the government giving the green light for the public to return to swimming pools, but there is no reopening date as of yet. Some spas also boast gyms as part of their facilities, but again, these currently remain closed with no reopening date from the government as of yet. The PureGym website states, “We've redefined our cleaning and safety standards and will be ready to reopen as soon as we are allowed to do so. “At the moment we do not have a date from the government on when we will reopen our gyms in England, Scotland and Wales.” Will new safety measures be in place when spas reopen? The government published guidelines on 23 June named ‘Keeping workers and clients safe during COVID19 in close contact services’. ‘Close contact services’ include spas, hairdressing, barbershops, beauty and nail bars, makeup, tattoo and spray tanning studios, sports and massage therapy, well-being and holistic locations, dress fitters, tailors and fashion designers. This government guidance is also for those who provide mobile close contact services from their homes and in other people’s homes, those in retail environments and the arts, and those studying hair and beauty in vocational training environments. The document provides guidance on how to open workplaces safely, while also minimising the risk of spreading coronavirus. This includes: Minimising contacts around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments including tips, where possible. Minimising how frequently equipment is shared between workers, frequently cleaning between use and assigning to an individual where possible. Using disposable items where possible, for example nail files, and ensuring non-disposable items are cleaned between clients.