5th March 2021
The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed that a contactless click-and-collect service for baby equipment shops, clothing shops, footwear shops, and electrical goods shops can re-commence from Monday 8 March 2021.
As well as guidance for businesses, consumer guidance has also been outlined to help minimise the risk to public health for anyone using click-and-collect services.
The limited opening of a contactless click-and-collect within the non-essential retail sector is to facilitate necessary consumer transactions. You are asked to consider the wider public health message and avoid unnecessary travel whenever possible.
Whilst retailers will implement procedures to ensure the safety of customers and staff, it is an individual’s responsibility to ensure they comply with the following guidance:
- Do not visit any retail premises if you have tested positive or have developed any of the COVID-19 symptoms;
- You must wear a face-covering when you go to any retail premises including any indoor area of a shopping centre, unless exempt. Read the face covering policy;
- Do not ask or attempt to enter the store;
- You must follow direction signs, one way systems and shop capacities if provided by a retail outlet;
- Maintain a 2-metre physical distance between other people;
- During this period adults, unless accompanying a vulnerable person or a child/children under 18, should shop alone;
- In order to keep transmission rates as low as possible, you are also advised to:
- When visiting stores use the infection control measures and use the available hand sanitiser;
- Be polite. Please ensure that you are considerate to retail staff and abide by their guidance and instructions, including removing your face covering if requested for proof of age;
- Shop local and do not travel further than necessary to visit stores;
- Be patient – shopping may take longer than you may be used to and you may need to queue for longer as a result.;
- You should only use public transport for essential shopping where it is not possible in your local council area – you should use online shopping or shops, banks and other services in your local area wherever you can; and
- Get help: If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are self-isolating, or are vulnerable or shielding and you need essential items like food or medicine you should request assistance from friends or contact the social services.
