East Antrim traders praised for resilience ahead of ‘Lockdown 3’

The first citizen was commenting after visiting premises in Carrickfergus and Larne - and ahead of the Executive’s announcement of a new six-week lockdown from Boxing Day which includes non-essential shops closing - to wish traders a happy Christmas.

Despite having been harshly impacted by the Covid-19 emergency, businesses within the borough have shown great strength of spirit and agility to the ever-changing situation throughout 2020, the Mayor continued.

“I was delighted to visit our wonderful local business community and witness, as I have done since the initial restrictions were lifted in June of this year, how resourceful and resilient they have been,” Cllr Johnston said.

“I heard lots of positive feedback on council’s unique Covid Confidence Scheme, which has been a source of support and guidance for businesses to ensure they have all the necessary safety measures in place, and saw first-hand how committed businesses are to protecting their communities and their employees.

“Despite having been through very challenging times this year, I was heartened to see there is still real hope and belief that brighter days are coming.

“I wish all of our businesses, and everyone in our community, a happy and healthy Christmas, and a brighter New Year.

“I know the people of Mid and East Antrim will continue to #ShopSafe and #ShopLocal, as they have done throughout this year, and wish to assure them that they are guaranteed a warm welcome and a safe, enjoyable shopping experience.”

Responding to what he labelled ‘Lockdown 3’, Glyn Roberts, Retail NI chief executive, said: “It is profoundly disappointing that the Executive has had to take this course of action because of non-compliance of individuals and households with the Covid-19 regulations. This non-compliance has not only driven up transmission of the virus, but has now effectively shut down our economy.

“Make no mistake - this third lockdown will result in a tsunami of independent retailers falling and thousands more jobs being lost with permanent damage done to our local high streets.

“Independent retailers selling clothes, books and toys will be forced to close their doors without even a click and collect option, while large supermarkets will remain open selling those same products. Where is the fairness in this?”

“It is also extremely concerning that many businesses are still awaiting financial support payments from the last lockdown. The Executive must work night and day to ensure that payments are made without delay to impacted independent retailers and small businesses.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said the new measures - subject to review at four weeks - have been introduced with “a heavy heart”.

He added: “The evidence before us was clear that decisive intervention was required to prevent the growing tide of Covid-19 cases overwhelming our health service, with catastrophic consequences.”

The restrictions for the six-week period include:

Closure of hospitality and non-essential retail with a stricter demarcation between essential and non-essential retail than that deployed during the recent circuit breaker. Click and collect retail will not be permitted, and homeware will not be categorised as essential retail. Off sales (including from bars) will be permitted from 08:00 on Monday to Saturday, and from 10:00 on Sunday, until 20:00 on any day. Hospitality businesses will only be allowed to offer takeaway and delivery food;

Closure of close contact businesses;

Places of worship can remain open under strict conditions;

In addition, there will be a one-week period of additional restrictions from December 26 to January 2. Between 20:00 and 06:00 during this period;

All businesses which are able to remain open as part of the restrictions must close between these hours

no indoor or outdoor gatherings of any kind would be permitted after 20:00 and before 06:00, including at sporting venues;

Outdoor exercise would be permitted only with members of your own household;

No household mixing would be permitted in private gardens or indoors in any setting between these times, except for emergencies or the provision of health or care services or where households have chosen to form a Christmas bubble for a period of time between December 23 to 27 with provision for travel a day either side when absolutely necessary.

Click here to read: Christmas markets cancelled due to Covid concerns

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