Stephen Donnelly shares an update on retailers who should be able to reopen ‘immediately’

Stephen Donnelly has said that he believes stores that sell children’s shoes should open “immediately.”

All non-essential retail is currently closed in accordance with the strict Level Five lockdown.

However, there have been calls to add stores that sell children’s shoes to be added to the essential retail list, as the closure has lasted for months.

And the Health Minister said this morning that he fully agreed with the proposals.

Donnelly added that he has spoken with Acting CMO Dr. Ronan Glynn about the issue and hopes it will be implemented “immediately.”

He told RTE’s News at One: “I think they should open and I think they should open immediately.

“I have listened very carefully to some of the doctors who have spoken about some of the medical implications.

“Because obviously children grow up fast and stores have been closed for a long time. That is why I am of the clear opinion that they should be added to the essential retail list, specifically for children’s shoes.

“The Acting Medical Director and I have talked about it this morning and it is something I fully support and want to see implemented immediately.”

However, other non-essential retailers will have to wait until at least next month, after Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed last night the latest hit to the sectors.

The government’s new roadmap said the retail trade ban will remain in effect until at least May 4, at which point the restrictions will be reviewed once more.