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Non-essential retail stores, hair and beauty providers, gyms and leisure centers are among the companies that are reopening their facilities to the public across the country today following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Cinemas, museums and galleries may also reopen, but food-serving pubs and restaurants will be closed until Friday.
After six weeks of closure and with the arrival of Christmas, consumer demand for in-store purchases is expected to have increased and many services are expected to be strong.
Retail Ireland predicts that € 1.2 billion will be spent on retail outlets this December above a normal month.
However, after a long period of closure, companies have faced many challenges in preparing for the reopening, including ensuring they have sufficient stock and staff ready.
Many have also adopted additional hygiene measures to keep staff and customers safe, and to cope with potential crowds and queues.
Local authorities have been working with retailers to establish guidelines for managing off-site queues.
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Some shopping centers have also installed temporary shelters outside for customers in case they have to limit the number of entrances due to overcrowding.
To match the influx, some retailers say they will stay open until tonight and tomorrow, while many others will open early and close later than normal.
The Dublin Town organization says it expects about two-thirds of last year’s footfalls between now and Christmas.
Public transport capacity will be increased from 25% to 50% to meet the additional demand.
But the National Transportation Authority has asked the public to only use public transportation for necessary trips and to avoid rush hour trips to ensure there is enough capacity for essential workers and children traveling to and from school.
The latest government guidance is that face covers should be used in crowded or crowded outdoor spaces where there is a large congregation, such as on congested shopping streets.
People are also asked to continue working from home unless it is absolutely necessary to attend in person.
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