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Huge lines have been envisioned outside Smyths stores across the country as panicked parents rush to stores fearing stores will close before Christmas.
Under the proposed Tier 5 guidelines, only essential retail outlets, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, can remain open.
The country is currently awaiting an announcement from the government, expected around 8pm tonight, on whether we will dive into Level 5 lockdown restrictions as per NPHET’s recommendation.
The queues outside Smyths in Carrickmines, Dublin, show a long line of parents waiting to enter the store or pick up their order. Tony Byrne envisioned the queue around 1pm on Monday afternoon.
Other similar queues were photos outside Smyths on Kinsale Road in Cork, with people lining up to click and pick up and shop at the store.
The Christmas shopping panic has been triggered by the long-awaited government announcement and a possible Level 5 lockdown.
Follow our live blog for updates during the day below
Speaking with Brian Dobson at News at One on RTE Radio 1, the national broadcaster’s political correspondent confirmed that the cabinet will meet today to discuss NPHET’s recommendation at around 5:30 pm / 6:00 pm.
After that meeting, a national announcement is expected to be made tonight around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, government regulations for Level 5 restrictions have been updated on its website for the first time since September 23 according to the Irish Mirror.
Under the new Tier 5 guidelines, schools that remain open will be based on “recommendations based on the situation and the evidence at the time.”
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