It’s been a week of confusion and misinformation.

As the city gets to grips with further Covid-19 social distancing measures however, Cork’s English Market traders are keen to highlight that they are very much open for business.

The English Market is a popular tourist attraction, but it functions as a fresh food source for thousands of city dwellers and a shop front for some of Cork’s oldest food producers.

In light of the latest restrictions, a maximum of 60 people are allowed into the building at any one time, which makes it a good option for anyone who wishes to avoid supermarket queues and shared baskets and trolleys.

1) It was great to do a v large shop & stock up @EnglishMarket earlier. Must admit my teen lad carried the bags! Lots of brekkie sausages & a footling for the bag carrier from @oflynnssausages, wine & some vino education from @bubblebrothers, fresh bread from @ABCbreadcork

— Laura O Connell (@lauraoclaura) March 21, 2020

The Cork City Council has reminded the public that you can still visit the English Market for groceries:

“As retail food premises, locals rely on the Market for food essentials. Non-food stalls are now closed. For #SocialDistancing, numbers in the market will be restricted and access is restricted to Princes Street and Grand Parade.”

At K O’Connell’s fish stall, the team has introduced free home deliveries for orders over €30 and you can pop in and collect your choice of fresh fish daily too.

We are doing everything we can to remain open. Please do everything you can to keep local businesses open.We are also doing home deliveries. Ph 021-4276380 or email freshfish@eircom.net.Thank you for your continued support. pic.twitter.com/Rl1XhNt8ET

— pat o connell (@pattheenglishm1) March 25, 2020

Ballycotton Seafood, The Chicken Inn, Tom Durcan Meats, The Sandwich Stall and O’Mahoney Butchers are serving customers as normal and Best Meats Butchers will drop your order to your car if you’d rather not go outside.

You can pick up cheese and paté for your self-isolation snacking needs at On the Pig’s Back.

Grab your weekend breakfast supplies from O’Flynn’s Sausages, a treat or two from The Roughty Foodie and something fancy to toast the end of a tricky week from Bubble Brothers.

The English Market is open for business. We have wine! More detail from @corkcitycouncil here: https://t.co/uG42CNVYWa pic.twitter.com/3nJFEiulye

— Bubble Brothers (@bubblebrothers) March 20, 2020

With little else to occupy our free time and imaginations, food is something to be celebrated and savoured in the coming weeks. If you can put the freshest ingredients in your fridge and help keep Cork food producers afloat, it’s a win/win.