HOW RULES WILL WORK IN SHOPPING CENTRES
UNDER the plans for the Phase 2 easing of lockdown beginning tomorrow, shopping centres were initially banned from reopening.
Retailers with an entrance onto a street were allowed to open, while those accessible only via another indoor space such as a mall or shopping centre were not.
However, shopping centres will now be allowed to reopen a week later than other retailers – on Monday June 15 – as long as they meet social distancing requirements.
All shops must operate staggered opening times from no earlier than 10.30am and must offer dedicated times for the elderly and vulnerable.
Communal areas such as benches, fountains and food courts must remain closed to prevent people congregating.
Restaurants and cafés are allowed to reopen in three weeks’ time on June 29. Additional public toilets will be provided by local authorities as shop and shopping centre toilets will remain off-limits.
Builders could be seen installing new public toilets yesterday outside St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin.
Retail Ireland said the need for social distancing will result in a very different shopping experience, but customers have already adapted and are supportive of the new rules.
Retail Ireland director Arnold Dillon said: ‘Many shopping centres remained open during the crisis to allow essential retail to trade, even if many of the shops were closed.
‘They have put in place comprehensive plans to ensure the safety of staff and customers.’