[ad_1]
Updated 10 minutes ago
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Dr. Tony Holohan said he does not anticipate Nphet recommending to the government that non-essential retailers be allowed to return to business before the end of the six-week shutdown.
Speaking at tonight’s briefing, Holohan said Nphet “does not anticipate changing our advice, but we obviously keep it under review.”
There were calls to review the Level 5 restrictions at the end of their fourth week and some retailers were hoping to be able to open their doors in the middle of this month instead of early December, the original date for the Level 5 restrictions to take effect. .
Earlier today, retailers asked for an early reopening date for stores if the number of Covid-19 cases continues to fall, an industry body said.
Retail Excellence, the largest representative body of retail in the country, urged the Government to clarify in the next 10 days its plans to reopen non-essential retail so that retailers can prepare for Christmas.
The organization’s managing director, Duncan Graham, said it is crucial for the government to meet its realistic and achievable demands if the industry recovers in 2021.
The group, whose members employ 280,000 people, also wants government and landlord support on rent bills that have accumulated while the businesses have been closed.
Graham said: “This lockdown has been catastrophic for the retail sector.
“Our priority now is to look to the end of this month and reopening non-essential retail stores as soon as possible so that we can meet consumer demand and save our retail businesses.”
Graham said that, as a starting point, the government should prioritize reopening stores as soon as possible.
“A delayed reopening means fewer shopping days and that means busier shopping days,” he said.
There is a real logic to making sure we reopen nonessential retail as quickly as possible so that we can effectively manage consumer demand in our stores and cities. “
He said retailers also needed help with rents and other costs if they were to survive.
“We have heard countless examples of homeowners demanding full rentals from retailers who have been devastated this year,” said Mr. Graham.
“If the government does not support these companies with adequate funding and support, retailers will suffer in 2021.”
Graham also said that retailers should see the full cooperation of local authorities and city councils to help with the reopening process.
No news is bad news
Support the magazine
your contributions help us continue to deliver the stories that are important to you
Support us now
He also encouraged all shoppers to buy Irish during the festive season.
“We want all buyers to buy locally, buy in Ireland and support work in Ireland.”
Retail Excellence said that retail has proven to be a safe environment for shoppers and retailers will be able to maintain this environment during this crucial time of year.
There are currently 370 positive cases in hospitals in Ireland, 40 of those in intensive care units.
Of these 370 cases, 17 or 4.6% were in people from 0 to 14 years old, 29 or 7.8% were between 15 and 34 years old, while 119 or 32% were between 35 and 64 years old with 8 admissions to the ICU in that age group.
The 205 remaining cases, 55.4%, were 65 years or older, with 29 admissions to the ICU.
While the number of positive Covid-19 cases has dropped, the HSE cautioned that this progress should not be lost.
[ad_2]