Homeware shops will not be allowed to reopen from Monday as part of Phase One of lifting Covid-19 lockdown.
The measure was confirmed following a Cabinet meeting today, where it was agreed that the country can move forward with plans to ease restrictions from 18th May.
But homeware stores, which were included in the original roadmap, have been removed from the next step of the plan.
Hardware stores will be allowed to open this week, along with retail outlets that are primarily outdoor (i.e. garden centres and farmers’ markets).
Bicycle shops and motor garages, electrical and IT stores, as well as opticians, will also be permitted to open again with social distancing measures followed.
Construction workers and gardeners are also set to be able to return to work on Monday, while remote working will continue for all who can do so.
Groups of four people from different households will be permitted to meet outdoors while social distancing. However, these meetings must take place within a person’s 5km locality.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is due to formally announce Phase One of the Government’s road map to reopen society and the economy later today.