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The Taoiseach has issued advice for Christmas shoppers after the Irish shutdown ended on Tuesday.
Punters flocked to the High Street stores throughout the day as non-essential retail stores opened for the first time in six weeks.
And Micheal Martin has urged people to “shop local,” while also giving some tips for shopping during the holiday season.
During a visit to the Kilkenny Shop in Dublin today, Mr. Martin said: “Take a little time to research the opening hours outside of rush hours, be sure to wear a mask on busy streets as well as inside stores and shopping centers.
“Think about what you need to buy ahead of time so you don’t spend too much time browsing.
Plan to shop as early in the month as possible and stick to store priority plans for vulnerable people who may need a little extra help when shopping.
“When planning your Christmas shopping, support your local retailers and businesses.
“It has been a difficult year for local small businesses, so please consider your local businesses when deciding your donations this year.
There will be even more holiday excitement when the restaurants and pubs that serve food return on Friday.
The Government unleashed its plan to live with Covid during the holiday season last Friday.
Under part of the scheme, outlined by Mr. Martin in an address to the nation, people will still have to stay within their own county for the next two and a half weeks.
From December 18 to January 6, the public can freely travel across the country to reunite with their loved ones at Christmas.
During the same period, people from three different households can meet.
Ireland is currently at level three of the Living With Covid plan, with additional measures, such as the reopening of some pubs and all inland restaurants, which is generally not allowed in that phase.
But as of January 6, the country will once again be under full Level Three restrictions, or worse, depending on whether cases increase significantly during the holiday season.
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