A two-week lockdown begins today.

And with all non-essential retail outlets ordered to close to the public following a recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team, there’s been some confusion about what can be considered ‘essential’ in these strange times.

“For a two week period until Easter Sunday everyone must stay at home.” said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, addressing the nation last night.

“Unless they need to travel to and from work, only where the work is an essential service that cannot be done from home.”

Now the Government has released a list of what are considered essential retail outlets, with further clarification due to be provided later this morning.

Essential retail outlets
1. Retail and wholesale sale of food, beverages and newspapers in non-specialised and specialised stores

2. Retail sale of household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences and businesses

3. Pharmacies/Chemists and retailers providing pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical or dispensing services

4. Retail sale of selling medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores

5. Fuel stations and heating fuel providers

6. Retail sale of essential items for the health and welfare of animals, including animal feed and medicines, animal food, pet food and animal supplies including bedding

7. Laundries and Drycleaners

8. Banks, Post Offices and Credit Unions

9. Retail sale of safety supply stores (work clothes, Personal Protective Equipment, for example)

Businesses that can only offer emergency call-out or delivery services
The following retailers that offer an emergency call-out or delivery service can continue to operate on that basis ONLY:

• Opticians/optometrists
• Retailers involved in the repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycle repair and related facilities (tyre sales and repairs for example)
• Hardware stores, builder’s merchants and stores that provide hardware products necessary for home and business maintenance, sanitation and farm equipment, supplies and tools essential for gardening/farming/agriculture
• Retail sale of office products and services for individuals working from home and for businesses
• Retailers providing electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home.