Coronavirus: list of 'essential businesses'
The Executive has published a list of businesses which can continue to operate
The Stormont Executive has published a list of ‘essential businesses’ which can still operate during the Coronavirus pandemic.
It follows confusion for some workers after the Government announced an effective lockdown, closing bars, restaurants, gyms, and other venues.
The following essential retail services should continue to trade:
• Supermarkets (excluding any cafes within them), convenience stores and corner shops
• Grocery markets – not including farmers markets, hot food markets or street food markets.
• Local fresh food suppliers like butchers, fishmongers and bakeries.
• Hot food takeaways - over the counter services only and not allowing an option to eat in.
• Pharmacies/Chemists and Health food shops.
• Dental surgeries, opticians, audiology, physiotherapy, chiropody and other professional vocational medical services – for urgent appointments only.
• Veterinary clinics and pet shops.
• Newsagents.
• Hardware and building supplies stores.
• Retail services in hospitals.
• Petrol stations, garages, and auto repair shops for urgent work only.
• High street banks, credit unions and cash points.
• Post offices.
• Funeral directors, crematoriums and related.
• Laundrettes and dry cleaners.
• Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop-off points.
• Medical or storage services.
• Public car parks in towns and cities near food takeaway services.
• Public toilets.
Meanwhile, The following non-essential retail services should close immediately:
• Clothes shops.
• Electronics shops.
• Hair, beauty and nail salons.
• All other non-essential retail shops, including off-licenses.
• All other indoor and outdoor markets including non-food markets and car boot sales.
• Hotels, hostels, Bed and Breakfasts, Caravan Parks, Camping sites, Boarding Houses – except where caravans and mobile homes are being used as permanent residences and where hotels are providing emergency accommodation.
• Libraries.
• Community centres and youth centres.
• Places of worship – all churches should close to services except for funeral services. Weddings and baptisms should be postponed. If clergy want to live-stream for church services, they are free to do so.
• All indoor recreation sites such as bowling alleys, arcades, soft play areas.
• Enclosed spaces in public parks such as playgrounds, tennis courts and outdoor gyms.
First Minister Arlene Foster said “We all must now adopt to stop the spread of the virus, it is vital people understand what essential services are available to them.”
“This list covers a range of essential retail services including pharmacies, hot food takeaways, petrol stations and public car parks near food outlets but there are certain limitations on some of them as well.”
“For example, cafes will no longer operate in supermarkets, nor will it be possible to eat food in takeaway outlets.”
“The Northern Ireland Executive would encourage members of the public to study the list closely and understand what services will be available to them during the coming weeks.
“These measures will remain under review but it is crucial that people limit their movement outside their homes and only shop for essentials when it is absolutely necessary.”
The deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill added, “As well as providing clarity for the public, it is vital that businesses here are absolutely clear about their responsibilities in fighting the spread of Covid-19.
“Clothes shops, electronics shops, hair, beauty and nail salons, libraries and gyms are not essential services and, if they are not already, they must close right now. Not in a few days; not next week; now.
“We know how difficult it is for those businesses to shut their doors. We are talking about people’s livelihoods. But if this action isn’t taken immediately, it will result in the loss of more lives through Coronavirus.
“We all have a role to play in combatting the spread of Coronavirus and by closing non-essential retail and other services you are playing your part in the fight back.”