Shoppers will be descending on Ireland's retail high streets in the coming days to get the most of the post-Christmas sales.
But they will be going on the back of a warning from CMO Dr Tony Holohan as the Omicron variant continues to tear through the Irish population.
In a Christmas message, the CMO said"Avoid crowded places including retail environments. Choose to shop online where possible, queue outside and leave any retail environment that does not feel safe and that is not adhering to the public health guidance – implementing social distancing measures and queuing system, limiting numbers in-store and staff wearing masks correctly (covering nose, mouth and chin)."
For those worried about their safety when shopping, here's the guidance from some of Ireland's biggest retailers.
Of course, people are also asked to sanitise their hands and wear face masks at all times during their shopping.
Penneys
A strict social distancing protocol:
- Limits on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time to allow for the appropriate distance in between customers and employees, following local government guidelines.
- Clear signage and floor decals, as well as dedicated employees and additional security staff, to guide customers through the store in a way that limits contact with others.
Personal protection for employees and customers:
- In line with government guidance, all customers are required to wear face coverings in our stores, unless they are exempt due to medical reasons.
- On entering the store, customers are asked to use the hand sanitiser that is provided at the store entrance. Dedicated employees will be on hand to assist customers if needed.
- We provide face coverings to all of our employees and they are required to be worn while working.
- Perspex screens or cubicles have been installed on tills to help protect customers and employees.
Increased in-store cleaning:
- Increased frequency and rigour of store cleaning, particularly around high frequency touch points such as tills, escalators, lifts, and employee areas in back of house.
- Customer basket handles will be sanitised on a regular basis.
Smyths
- We are operating a maximum capacity of customers in our stores. This will be advertised at the front of each store.
- You may be required to queue to enter our store. Please queue outside the store on the designated markings on the ground.
- Please keep children with you at ALL times. An unaccompanied child will not be allowed in the store.
- Social distancing is keeping a space of 2 metres (6.5 feet) between you and other customers and store staff. Do not shake hands or make close contact. Please take notice of the markings on the shop floor. Hand sanitiser will be available at the entrance of the store.
- Credit card contactless payments are preferred and available up to €50. Please use the appropriate tills in-store.
- Face masks must be worn in all our stores at all times. We are following official government instructions.
- Some In-store facilities remain unavailable.
All retail websites now list their safety measures on their websites if you want to be extra safe before you head to the shops.
