New Covid-19 measures: The full list of essential retail outlets which will remain open
The National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended that all non-essential retail outlets should close to members of the public in Ireland.
All other retail outlets are to implement social distancing.
Here is a list of what are considered essential outlets:
– Retail and wholesale sale of food, beverages and newspapers in non-specialised and specialised stores
– Retail sale of household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences and businesses
– Pharmacies/chemists and retailers providing pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical or dispensing services
– Opticians/optometrists
– Retail sale of medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores
– Fuel stations and heating fuel providers
– Retailers involved in the repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycle repair and related facilities
– Retail sale of essential items for the health and welfare of animals, including animal feed and medicines, pet food and supplies including bedding
– Laundries and dry cleaners
– Banks, post offices and credit unions
– Retail sale of safety supply (eg, work clothes, personal protective equipment)
– Hardware stores, builders’ merchants and stores that provide hardware products necessary for home and business maintenance, sanitation and farm equipment, supplies and tools essential for gardening/farming/agriculture
– Retail sale of office products and services for people working from home and for businesses
– Retailers providing electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for homes
The above outlets must implement the following social distancing measures:
– Ensure adequate distancing between customers and retail assistants in line with public health guidelines
– Only let people into the store in small groups and ensure spaces are not crowded
– Manage queues inside and outside the door
– Consider designating certain times of the day to facilitate vulnerable groups
– Provide online services where possible and appropriate to minimise footfall
– Offer contactless payment where possible
Parents are encouraged to avoid taking children when visiting essential retail outlets.
