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Taoiseach Micheál Martin has urged the public to shop safely as the country emerges from the second lockdown.
Some nonessential retailers and other businesses reopened Tuesday after six weeks of Level 5 restrictions.
The lifting of restrictions also caused the hair and beauty industry and gyms and leisure centers to open their doors after six weeks of closures.
Restaurants and pubs that serve food will be closed until Friday, in accordance with the government’s plans to reopen in stages.
There were a few lines outside the stores early Tuesday, but trade seemed steady as people returned to the stores before Christmas.
Martin sent a message to the public while visiting the Kilkenny store in Dublin on Tuesday.
“Take a little time to research off-peak hours, be sure to wear a mask on busy streets as well as inside stores and malls,” he said.
“Think about what you need to buy ahead of time so you don’t spend too much time browsing in stores. Plan to shop as early in the month as possible, and stick to priority plans at stores for vulnerable people who may need a little extra help when shopping.
“When planning your Christmas shopping, support your local retailers and businesses. It’s been a difficult year for local small businesses, so consider your local businesses when deciding on your gifts this year. “
As Covid-19 restrictions eased across the country, health chiefs issued warnings not to meet in crowded areas.
This morning, the number of # COVID-19 cases in the hospital have dropped back to 222 with 30 in the ICU. Today, as society and the economy open up, let’s take precautions to value and protect through December the great progress we have made. We all want to open up and stay safe.@HSELive
– Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) December 1, 2020
Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan also said office Christmas parties should not be held, pointing to the link between infection and socialization, while urging people to reduce their number of contacts.
He said that alcohol has been “a very important common factor in many kinds of social experiences in which transmission has occurred.”
Eighteen more Covid-19-related deaths were reported in the Republic on Tuesday, along with 269 additional confirmed cases of the virus.
HSE chief Paul Reid tweeted Tuesday: “Today, as society and the economy open up, let us take precautions to value and protect through December the great progress we have made.
“We all want to open up and stay safe.”