Re-opening Guidance
As restrictions ease, more businesses will be permitted to re-open, provided they follow relevant safety advice. This page will be kept up to date with information for all sectors.
Main Content
NI Executive Decisions
Restrictions until 5 March 2021
Until 5 March 2021, the following businesses must close:
- Close contact services
- Hospitality
- Accommodation
- Entertainment, leisure and cultural activities
- Retail except for essential
Essential retail can continue to operate. Essential retail businesses include, but are not limited to:
- food retailers
- supermarkets
- convenience stores
- newsagents
- off licences
- pharmacies
- chemists
- fuel suppliers
- building supplies and hardware stores (equipment for building maintenance and repairs - such as keys, locks, nuts, screws, washers, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, belts, plumbing supplies, electrical supplies, tools, and machine parts)
- bicycle shops
- agricultural supplies shops
- livestock markets
- motor vehicle repair shops
- banks
- building societies
- credit unions
- post offices
- funeral directors
- laundrettes
- dry cleaners
- dental services
- opticians
- audiology services
- chiropody
- chiropractors
- osteopaths and other medical or health services
- veterinary surgeons
- dog groomers
- pet shops
- telecommunications and IT repair and maintenance
Childcare can continue to operate, sports at an elite level can take place, work carried out in private homes can continue and estate agents can continue to operate.
These restrictions were reviewed on 21 January 2021 and the NI Executive agreed that restrictions would be extended for another 6 weeks until 5 March 2021.
Risk Assessment
It is important that your risk assessment is kept up to date and reflects the risks COVID-19 poses in your workplace. The Health and Safety Executive has produced an example risk assessment which shows the kind of approach HSENI expects a small business or workplace to take when carrying out a risk assessment for COVID-19 in the workplace.
View HSENI example risk assessment template
Useful Resources
Consumer Council
The Consumer council has produced an energy price comparison tool to help businesses find a tariff that suits their business needs. The tool will allow you to compare electricity and gas tariffs, available from NI suppliers.
View Consumer Council energy tool
Social Distancing Posters
Posters are available for shops within the five town centres of Ards and North Down reminding customers of social distancing measures. The posters are branded with each town logo.
View Town Social Distancing posters
InvestNI Checklists
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COVID-19 Safe Workplace checklist aims to help businesses to adapt to the 'new normal'
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COVID-19 Supply Chain checklist aims to help businesses improve their supply chain
Useful Contacts
Health and Safety Executive NI
Website: www.hseni.gov.uk
Public Health Agency
Website: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus
Coronavirus Business Advice and Support
The AND business team is here to support you.
For further information or if you need help and advice, please get in touch via email or telephone 028 9147 3788.