The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has recommended that all non-essential retail outlets close to members of the public in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

All other retail outlets are to implement social distancing. Your local shop, chemist, fuel station, animal feed supplier and farm equipment dealer are to remain open.

All marts are to close as a result of the new restrictions.

The Government has said the following are essential retail outlets:

  • Retail and wholesale sale of food, beverages and newspapers in non-specialised and specialised stores.
  • Retail sale of household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences and businesses.
  • Pharmacies/chemists and retailers providing pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical or dispensing services.
  • Opticians/optometrists.
  • Retail sale of medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores.
  • Fuel stations and heating fuel providers.
  • Retailers involved in the repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycle repair and related facilities (for example, tyre sales and repairs).
  • 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).
  • Laundries and dry cleaners.
  • Banks, post offices and credit unions.
  • Retail sale of safety supply stores (for example, work clothes, personal protective equipment).
  • Hardware stores, builders’ 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.

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