Strict hygiene rules and a corona test obligation still apply in hairdressing salons. However, different rules apply nationwide for those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered. We will tell you whether you can now go to the hairdresser without a test and mask.
The third wave in Germany now seems to be under control. This is illustrated by the current figures from the Robert Koch Institute: With a nationwide 7-day incidence of only 46.8 per 100,000 inhabitants (as of May 26th, 2021), the current measures are showing their effect. The nationwide 7-day incidence is below 50 for the first time since October 2020. However, virologists continue to urge caution and compliance with the rules in order to prevent a kind of “yo-yo effect”. Nevertheless, certain freedoms are given back to those who have been fully vaccinated and those who have recovered.
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Corona loosening for vaccinated, recovered and tested
The ongoing vaccination campaign has prompted discussions and decisions to return certain liberties to those who have been fully vaccinated and those who have recovered. The current federal ordinance provides that those who have been fully vaccinated and recovered from Covid-19 are given back certain freedoms. For example, those who have been fully vaccinated and those who have recovered can now go to the hairdresser and go shopping in retail without a test. In addition, contact and exit restrictions will be lifted and the quarantine obligation as a result of contact with infected people will no longer apply. However , the obligation to wear masks does not apply to those who have been vaccinated or have recovered. Likewise, the distance requirement in public space continues to apply to everyone.
But people with a current negative PCR test or rapid test also enjoy some freedom, provided that the incidence in their district is below 100. However, this does not apply to self-tests. Below you will find out which regulations apply and when.
When am I considered fully vaccinated or recovered?
You are officially considered fully vaccinated from day 14 after your second vaccination with BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines, or from day 14 after your vaccination with Johnson & Johnson vaccines . Your vaccination card or a written confirmation from your vaccination center or family doctor serves as proof. You are considered recovered if you have a positive PCR test that is at least 28 days old. After six months, however, this status expires and a booster vaccination to refresh the immune protection is necessary.
The rules of the nationwide Corona emergency brake
After the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel initiated a tightening of the Infection Protection Act in the Bundestag, this has now also passed the Bundesrat and was signed by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. With the law, the federal government wants to create uniform regulations and measures to combat the corona pandemic .
The current Infection Protection Act contains a nationwide uniform emergency brake . It takes effect by law in counties from an incidence of 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants on three consecutive days and is initially valid until June 30th.
The following measures are included in the emergency brake :
- night curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (jogging and walking alone is allowed from 10 p.m. to midnight),
- Closed retail shops except grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies, bookstores and garden centers ( except for appointment shopping with an incidence < 150 with a negative test )
- closed cultural and leisure facilities such as swimming pools, theaters, museums, gyms and cinemas. Outdoor areas of zoos remain open (with compulsory testing from the age of 6)
- Testing obligation for companies
- all schools close from a 7-day incidence of 165 .
Despite the Corona emergency brake: hairdressers remain open
Fortunately, body-related services that serve medical, therapeutic, nursing, or pastoral purposes are excluded from the emergency brake. This also includes services used in hairdressing salons. The central association of the hairdressing trade explains: “The so-called federal emergency brake does not provide for automatic closure of the hairdressing salons” . The hairdressers will therefore remain open for the time being and will not be affected by the emergency brake .
However , there is still an FFP2 mask requirement and a test requirement for hair cutting . In addition, the salons must have their employees tested at least twice a week.
Hygiene rules in the hairdressing salon
In addition to proof of a negative PCR test or a professionally performed rapid test, stricter hygiene rules continue to apply: hairdressers and customers must always wear an FFP2 mask . For hairdressers, the so-called “SARS-CoV-2 occupational safety standard for the hairdressing trade” of the BGW (professional association for health services and welfare) applies nationwide, which also stipulates that sufficient hand disinfectants, skin-friendly liquid soap and disposable towels must be made available for hand hygiene .
In addition, the minimum area must not be less than 10 square meters per person and it must be thoroughly ventilated every 20 minutes . You must also always provide your contact details during your visit so that infection chains can be tracked.
Alternatives to visiting the hairdresser:
