Doncaster hairdressers 'hit by school self isolations' but expect to stay open

Stylists running salons across the borough have discussed the situation among themselves on their own Doncaster social media groups and say they understand similar businesses in Liverpool and Manchester have been able to continue.

Hairdressers are urging the public to support them.

Sharon Quinn, who runs the Strands hair salon in Edenthorpe, said: “We don’t necessarily think it will affect us at the moment. We think it will depend on if the level of infections in South Yorkshire drops or rises.

“Where this is concern among us at present however is where local schools have put pupils into self isolation, and how that is affecting business.

"I think there is also concern that if people are worried or frightened it may affect business anyway – we will have to wait and see.

“What I would say is please support us if we are allowed to stay open.”

Adele Clifton, who runs Adele’s Barbershop in Thorne town centre, said she has seen business hit this week, after pupils in Year eight, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at Trinity Academy, were sent home and told to self isolate following positive cases in several different year groups.

She also believes hairdressers and barbers will be allowed to stay open based on what has happened in other areas.

She said: “We have seen almost the whole of Trinity closed this week, and that means a lot of people are self isolating.

“On Monday, we had five cancellations, we had five yesterday, and three today, due to people being tested or self isolating. We have got availability this week if people need their hair cut.

"I think there may be more cancellations due to this. I’d urge people to support their local businesses and use us. We work hard to make sure that our premises are safe.”

Doncaster Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer, Andy Hibbitt called for clarity and said it was absolutely imperative that packages of financial support are distributed to businesses affected as quickly as possible.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.