Updated: new covid-19 app for hair salons and barbershops

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Energy (BEIS) has announced the date for a new COVID-19 app that will help hairdressers and barbershops in England and Wales keep client’s details and will help clients track where they have visited. The app will launch on 24 September and it will be compulsory for hair salons and barbershops to download and display a QR code prominently in the premises for clients from that date onwards. Click this link to download a QR code for your hair salon or barbershop for 24 September.  According to the Hair and Barber Council, the codes will be an important way for NHS Test and Trace in England and NHS Test, Trace, Protect in Wales to contact people if Coronavirus outbreaks are identified. The app works in exactly the same way in both nations. You can read more about it here.

How does the COVID-19 app work for hair salons and barbershops in England?

In England, displaying a QR code from this Thursday will be compulsory. Hair salons and barbershops who are already using their own system to track clients are encouraged to switch to the app. However, an alternative check-in method, such as a handwritten register can continue to be used as an alternative and must be maintained to collect client contact details.

How does the COVID-19 app work for hair salons and barbershops in Wales?

In Wales, it is also compulsory to display a QR code in the hair salon or barbershop from this Thursday. However, in Wales regardless of whether the salon or barbershop choose to use the app themselves to track clients, they must also continue to keep a full record of staff, customers and visitors, including people who check in using the QR code poster for the location.

How does the COVID-19 app work for freelance and mobile stylists, rent a chair stylists and those working in a studio in their own home?

Freelancers and rent a chair stylists or barbers working in a hair salon or barbershop are not affected by the QR code as it is up to the salon or barbershop owner to ensure the QR code is on prominent display within their premises. Mobile stylists working in other people's homes do not have a premises so they do not need to worry about the QR code either. Freelancers, rent a chair stylists and mobile stylists will still need to keep track of their clients either using a manual booking system or using the app. If you are a hair stylist or barber who works from your own home, this is classed as a premises so you will need to download the QR code and have prominently on display within your premises.

What is the COVID-19 app?

The app will be a critical enhancement of NHS Test and Trace in England, and the Test, Trace and Protect service in Wales. It will provide users with local risk information, and allow them to quickly and easily book a free test, and use a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues. The app will allow people to know more quickly if they are at risk of the virus, so they can take action fast to protect their communities and families. The guidance and rules are always subject to change so please go to the UK Government website or the official app website for more information.