Hairdressers and beauticians set for "busiest day of the year" as restrictions are eased

By Q Radio news

Hairdressers and beauticians are in for potentially their busiest day today after close-contact services re-opened in Northern Ireland. 

Driving lessons and outdoor visitor attractions also re-opened yesterday for the first time since lockdown was imposed after Christmas.

Up to 100 people are now able to compete in sport as part of the latest easing of restrictions. 

However the opportunity to lose the lockdown locks has caused the most excitement - bringing joy to  85-year-old Sarah Calvert. 

Yesterday Alan Hutchinson of Abba Driving School had a good start to the day with one of his students passing her test on her first attempt.

Her test had been rescheduled seven times due to the pandemic and coronavirus regulations.

Mr Hutchinson said the task now was to work through the backlog created by months of lockdown.

“There is a lot of frustration out there, trying to get the test dates in and get going again,” he said.

“Next week will be another momentous week when all of retail,  hospitality outdoors and self-contained accommodation will be reopened.

(Juliette Menown gets her hair cut by stylist Sophie Alexandra at Natural Hair Company in Lisburn)