LISTEN: All shops in Northern Ireland to reopen

By Michael McHugh, PA

All shops in Northern Ireland will be able to open later today.

They were given the all-clear by Stormont ministers on Thursday following reduced numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths.

Scientific experts estimated the level of transmission of the virus was manageable.

Outlets like independently-run book shops have spent days getting ready and installing protective screens.

Those based in shopping centres also received the green light as ministers accelerated the pace at which society emerges from lockdown.

From Monday, a much broader range of retailers in England will also open their doors.

They are adapting their stores to abide by social distancing restrictions.

Larger firms like home furniture giant Ikea and DIY store B&Q were already accepting customers, with social-distancing measures in place.

Fast food chains like McDonald's have reopened.

(Large crowds queued at Ikea in Belfast as it reopened at the start of June)

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts represents small and medium-sized businesses.

He said: "This is a very welcome decision which now allows our local retail sector as a whole to reopen and play its role in the economic recovery of Northern Ireland.

"With many retailers reopening tomorrow and over the next few days, I would make an appeal to shoppers to be patient and respectful with shop staff.

"Substantial operational changes have had to be made for shops to comply with social distancing so it is likely that shoppers will experience increased queuing outside some stores."

Meanwhile, Paul Clancy is the Chief Executive of Derry/Londonderry Chamber of Commerce which represents many small businesses in the North West. 

He said shops have been taking measures to ensure all staff and consumers feel safe. 

"It will be a different type of shopping experience, with businesses putting in social distancing measures to protect customers and staff. 

"But we would ask for patients and to respect the social distancing guides and that signs are placed inside and sometimes outside the shops." 

Mr Clancy also said an indicative reopening date must now be set for Northern Ireland's hospitality sector. 

"There is now light at the end of the tunnel for retail and that's absolutely fabulous news. 

"We do really need more clarity on when hospitality and tourism businesses can reopen. 

"The North West as we know, has a fabulous tourism offering and we need to let our staycation customers when we are open for business."

(Derry/Londonderry - Paul Clancy. Derry Chamber of Commerce says customers need to know when the North West hospitality and tourism sectors are "open for business")

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said it was great news but urged people to be considerate when shopping.

She added: "This is a further step in getting the economy moving again."

President of Newry Chamber of Commerce in Co Down, Emma Marmion-Mullen, said it was an important first step.

She said: "The road to recovery will be challenging.

"The financial support measures from the UK Government and the Executive have helped businesses to survive and keep people in employment."

People living alone will be reunited with their families after three months of coronavirus lockdown in a major step towards normality in Northern Ireland.

From June 13, people living on their own will be able to meet with one other household to combat loneliness caused by the restrictions, First Minister Arlene Foster said.