Government confirms that opticians are exempt from closing

Opticians have been included in the list of businesses that are exempt from closure in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed this morning (March 25) that opticians and audiology clinics as medical services are exceptions.

Retail premises that remain open must ensure a distance of two meters between customers and shop assistants, only let people enter the shop in small groups and enforce queue control outside of the shop.

The update follows the government’s announcement on Monday (March 23), which outlined that the public should stay at home and avoid unnecessary journeys or social contact. A review will take place in three weeks.