Hairdressers open and primary school pupils return in Wales in next stage of lockdown lifting

It comes after ‘stay at home’ message was lifted over weekend

Hairdresses and barbers have been able to welcome their first customers back in Wales for the first time this year (PA)

Hairdressers have reopened and primary school children have returned to class in Wales as the country took its next steps in lifting its national lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic.

Monday marked the first relaxing of rules for close contact services since strict national measures came into force in the days before Christmas.

It comes after Wales lifted its “stay at home” message over the weekend and allowed families and friends to meet up outdoors.

Hairdressers and barbers welcomed their first customers of the year on Monday as restrictions eased. Service will be limited to haircuts and appointments only.

Customers said they felt “relieved” and “refreshed” after having their hair cut professionally for the first time in months at Sleep When You’re Dead barbers in Cardiff.

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“My wife says having a haircut is really important to how I am around the house, and with family and work. When my hair is a mess, I feel as if I’m appearing as a mess,” 38-year-old David Saunders said.

“I think the health aspect and psychology is really underestimated.”

Monday also sees primary school pupils return to classrooms for the first time this year, joining those in foundation years who returned last month, while face-to-face teaching will also resume for learners in years 11 and 13.

Teachers can also invite pupils in Year 10 and 12 back to school in order to support their learning, while all other years will be allowed to "check in" with teachers on a limited number of days before a full school return from 12 April.

Last Saturday, Wales moved to a “stay local” period and measures eased to let up to four people – not counting children – to socialise outdoors, including in private gardens.

Travel restrictions in Wales are expected to be eased further in time for Easter.

Over the weekend, some outdoor sports were allowed to resume – with tennis courts and golf courses reopening – and care home visits for single designated visitors allowed to go ahead.

Wales‘ seven-day case rate for coronavirus stood at 39 cases per 100,000 people on Sunday, the lowest of any country in the UK.

Additional reporting by Press Association