WEXFORD RETAILERS HAVE TAKEN EVERY MEASURE TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY, SO LET’S GET OUT THERE AGAIN

THERE is no doubt that it has been a challenging time for us all to live through the Covid-19 pandemic. At times, it felt like we had nothing to look forward to and that we’d never get back to the ‘normal’ lives we had before this global shut down.

But surprisingly, we have adapted. We went into survival mode and learned new ways to live our day to day lives through things like technology, and kept up vital communications with our loved ones even if we couldn’t embrace them like we wanted to.

The loss and tragedy in difficult times, the government’s phased re-openings gave us hope. Finally we felt like we had something to look forward to and that we were beating this, breaking the chains of this deadly virus.

Although the days have been long, and the weeks have compressed into months, all is not lost.

It’s true that it will be a very different summer, but what we love about Wexford remains the same. The fresh strawberries have still ripened, the waves still crash against our glorious beaches and our tourist attractions and shopping outlets have begun to open their doors again to welcome us back.

Just like you’ve missed them, they’ve also missed you.

They need your support, Wexford needs you to come back and embrace this ‘new normal’ for its sake.

Have you got a front line worker in your family or friend group? Why not get out there and buy them a present, you know they deserve it!

The people of Ireland and Wexford have shown incredible strength during a tough lockdown, but we felt pity for those who had to celebrate a birthday or anniversary during these times. We even featured their pictures here in the paper, but that’s not enough.

Now is the time to get out there and show them your appreciation, and that you haven’t forgotten about their special day.

Shopping local has never been more important.

We have learned a lot about survival over the last few months, and now is the time to make sure that your locality comes out fighting.

During the lockdown, we embraced our two kilometres, our five kilometres and now we enjoy our county in the sunny South East.

It gave us more time to appreciate where we live, where we come from and what we have to enjoy so close around us.

But it’s true that we were sad to see the ‘back soon’ and ‘closed due to Covid-19’ on shop doors and windows. As they welcome us back in, it’s our turn to show the same support that we did to front line workers, and give back to local economy.

This is key to its survival.

In the words of Wexford County Chamber, it’s now time for us to play our part in ‘Reviving Wexford’ and getting retailers back on their feet.

Although we are living in a ‘new normal’, you can be assured that Wexford retailers have taken every measure to ensure your safety, so let’s get out there again.