People urged to 'shop local' as Phase 2 Plus sees many retail outlets reopen their doors

Many retailers in Cavan reopened their doors to customers today, as others urged people not just to 'stay local' but to shop local.

Traffic in the county town is noticeably busier today; while queues are forming outside a number of popular retail outlets. For example, more than 30 customers were waiting outside Sports Direct Brandmax in the Lakelands Retail Park.

Monday, June 8, marks the start of 'Phase 2 Plus' in the Government's roadmap to reopening the country. Today also heralds the end of the lockdown as we have known it since March 27.

Originally intended to take place over five phases with the final phase commencing on August 10; the revised roadmap is now four phases with the last phase due to begin on July 20.

Speaking at the press conference on Friday, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, said the efforts of people and businesses have ensured “this is a fight we can, and will, win”.

She welcomed the large scale reopening of the retail sector.

“The sight of closed shop fronts and deserted streets in towns across the country has highlighted the devastating impact of the virus,” she said.

“Overall, the wholesale and retail sector has the largest share of employment at 13.1%, so its safe return to work will be a significant boost to the economy,” said Minister Humphreys.

While shopping centres are not permitted to reopen until next Monday, the minister warned that shopping experiences will have changed.

“A trip to the shopping centre will not be a day out or somewhere to hang out with your friends. You will need to queue, go to the shop you want and leave,” she stressed.

“When we return to the high street next week, it will not be the one we left behind. The shopping experience will be different. Be prepared to queue. For many of us - leisurely browsing will have to replaced by purposeful, direct shopping,” she said.

Minister Humpheys urged people to shop local and support local businesses and jobs.

“This has been a very difficult time for small businesses so please support them and play your part in helping them to get back on their feet. As we progress to Phase 2, I am more confident than ever that we will prevail over this pandemic. Today is a day for hope and optimism but not complacency,” she said.

Minister Humphreys said that Ireland has every reason to be confident that the retail sector can return to work safely, praising those staff and frontline workers in grocery shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and filling stations who have continued to serve the public throughout the pandemic.

She referred retailers to the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, which they must implement before re-opening and emphasised that the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) are there to offer advice and guidance.

Minister Humphreys also pointed to a number of financial supports for businesses restarting such as the Government Restart Grant of between €2,000 and €10,000 via the local authorities, as well as the government's Wage Subsidy Scheme, which has been extended to the end of August.

So what exactly is included in Phase 2 Plus?

The big change is people are now being encouraged to 'stay local' and can travel anywhere within their own county or up to 20km from their home if crossing county boundaries. It is also recommended that face coverings be worn in public places, such as shops, and on public transport. Social distancing measures of two meters remains the public health advice.

SOCIALISING

You may meet up to six people from outside your household both indoors and outdoors for social gatherings.

SPORTS

Organised outdoor exercise, sporting, cultural or social activities of up to 15 people may take place. Horse and greyhound racing can resume behind closed doors. Elite athletes may return to their training facilities.

SHOPPING

Most retailers are reopening - but not all. Penneys will not begin reopening stores until June 12. Shopping centres can only reopen from next Monday, June 15.

Opening times will be staggered. Shopping centres must take measures to ensure people do not congregate at benches, fountains or food courts.

Public libraries will commence reopening.

TRANSPORT

Walk or cycle if you can. Only use public transport if you absolutely need to.

FUNERALS

Up to 25 immediate family and close friends may now attend funeral services.

CHILDREN

Outdoor summer camps may operate for post-primary children in groups of no more than 15. Playgrounds and commercially-serviced outdoor amenities may also reopen.

There will be a new Summer Education Programme for children with special educational needs and disadvantaged children. Minister for Education Joe McHugh will bring proposals to Government on this next week.

WORK

The advice remains to work from home where possible. The 'Return to Work Safely Protocol' is the operative guide for employers and employees. Marts may open where social distancing and hygiene can be maintained.

TRAVEL ABROAD

All non-essential overseas travel to and from Ireland should be avoided. Passengers arriving from overseas are expected to self-isolate for 14 days.

OVER 70s

If you are over 70 or medically vulnerable, continue to stay home as much as possible. You may welcome small numbers of people to your home, but maintain social distance. When out shopping, you are advised to use the times specially allotted by retailers. If you are visiting someone who is over 70 or medically vulnerable, be extra-vigilant.

NURSING HOMES

Limited nursing home visits will be allowed from June 15 under certain circumstances.

PHASE 3 (June 29)

Phase three is due to commence on Monday, June 29. It will see bars permitted to reopen as long as they serve food and provide table service.

Detailed guidance will be published this week for hotel, bar and restaurant owners. All restrictions for travelling within Ireland will also be lifted, though no date has been set, as of yet, for the resumption of travel abroad. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he would not encourage anyone to book flights.

Crèches, childminders and preschools will open for children of all workers who need childcare to return to work. However, where capacity is limited, preference will be give to children of frontline workers. Children will be grouped into pods, of between six and 12, to reduce the risk of transmitting coronavirus.

People can attend services at places of worship from the beginning of Phase 3, with physical distancing measures in place. It means that communions and confirmations in small groups may now be able to take place later in the summer.

STAGE FOUR (July 20)

As it stands, hair salons and barbers must remain closed until Phase 4, July 20. There has been no decision yet as to when weddings can be held and the numbers that will be allowed to attend.

All pubs will be permitted to reopen provided social distancing measures can be put in place and observed.

Theatres and cinemas can also reopen, as can bowling alleys and bingo halls.

Close physical contact sports, such as rugby and boxing, can resume. Gyms, dance studios and sports clubs can also reopen alongside effective cleaning and social distancing measures.

Spectators can attend live sporting events in accordance with restrictions and social distancing measures.