Changes expected in how pharmacies and food stores operate 

Industry group Retail Excellence has said there will be changes to the layout and operation of essential stores such as food  retailers and pharmacies in the coming days. 

"Over the coming days, essential retail will change," said Retail Excellence in a statement this afternoon (Monday). 

"There will be significant layout reformatting of pharmacies and food stores. These stores will have very clear guidelines regarding the number of customers in store, where you must stand, how you must pay. Please respect this guidance.

"We will need to prepare for a new way of shopping for essential items. This new way will keep us all safe and healthy," said the statement.  

Retail Excellence said today was "the hardest and most challenging day" in the history of the retail industry, with lots of stores closing across the country.

It said the stores which had taken the difficult decision to close had "done the right thing" but the situation was even more challenging for the essential retail workers in areas such as pharmacy and food. 

"When this is all over we need to celebrate their work and assistance. They are our first responders and we greatly appreciate all that they are doing for us today and over the coming days."

Retail Excellence also reminded employers that they have an obligation to respect the confidentiality of their employees and therefore should not disclose the nature of any illness disclosed to them by such employees from a confidentiality perspective as well as from a GDPR perspective.