A HAIRDRESSER is remaining “cautiously optimistic” about the date she will be allowed to reopen.

Kat Berale, director of Cabello Salon in Witham, said there are still “large hurdles” that need to be cleared before the salon can open again.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out the long-awaited roadmap on how the national lockdown will be eased in England.

The Prime Minister confirmed that hairdressers will be allowed to reopen from April 12 at the earliest.

Shops, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.

Kat said her team remain hopeful that this date will be confirmed nearer the time.

She said: “We are very excited about potentially opening, however remain cautiously optimistic about the date.

“There are many large hurdles that need to be jumped in terms of R-number, infection rates, hospitalisations, new variant risks and vaccine deployment.

“We remain hopeful that this date will be confirmed by the Government on April 5, as advised yesterday.

“We do not wish to let anybody down by booking them in for an unconfirmed date.

“Famously, July 31 last year, my heart went out to those in the beauty industry who had their date changed hours before they were due to open.

“We have played this game before and we will be watching, waiting and hoping.

“We have booked in more than 600 customers the past two lockdowns within a day or two and will be planning to do the same in April.

“We are so excited to come out the other side of this and can’t wait to show our guests what we have achieved from home.”

Cabello have introduced several new features during lockdown, including a cocktail and coffee bar in the centre of the shop, a new online shop and a new app.

Kat added: “We will continue to protect our guests, with our strict cleaning processes, social distancing and full PPE as required.

“We have our fingers and toes crossed that we will be seeing all guests in seven weeks and counting.”