Under the level 4 alert level which comes into force tomorrow night (Wednesday 25 March at 11.59pm) only essential businesses are to remain in operation. But what is an essential business?

Full detail is still being worked through but a list of services is provided on the Governments Covid-19 website. More specific information for each sector will be published shortly the site says.

In summary essential services include anything deemed necessary for us to live in a safe and protected environment. We are able to purchase food as supermarkets will be open, we can get medical supplies and see a doctor as pharmacies and medical centres will be open.

Service stations will be open for fuel and waste-removal services will continue as normal. 

Providers of financial support will be open e.g. banks, and internet providers will be operating.

It is not clear yet what happens if an appliance breaks down or your toilet is blocked, however the site does state that any entity involved in building and construction required immediately to maintain human health and safety at home or work is an essential service. We will seek to clarify what this means and which businesses you can contact if you need this service.

Veterinary services will be open.

The ambulance service is operating as are our first responders at the fire service and police.

Welfare and social services are available to meet immediate needs and we’ll clarify with Community Networks what they will be providing.

More information can be found here.

Once we have more clarity and are able to ascertain which businesses are open we will publish a full list.

If you are an essential service please let us know at [email protected].