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Coronavirus

NI extends lockdown until 1 April but click and collect widened

The scope of those allowed to operate click and collect has been widened to include shops selling baby equipment, clothing and footwear, and electrical goods

The Stormont Executive has announced it will extend the current lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland until 1 April.

However, first minister Arlene Foster did reveal that more non-essential retail businesses will be able to resume click and collect services from 8 March.

The scope of those allowed to operate click and collect has been widened to include shops selling baby equipment, clothing and footwear, and electrical goods.

Foster also revealed that allowing click and collect for all retailers will be considered with the next review on the 18 March. She also revealed that some school pupils will be able to return to teaching from 8 March.

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The Stormont Executive will publish its pathway-to-recovery blueprint for Northern Ireland on 1 March.

Prime minister Boris Johnson is set to announce the roadmap for the easing of the current restrictions in England on Monday,

The news comes as the impact of current restrictions has been revealed by the latest retail figures from the ONS.

The figures showed retail sales tumbled 8.2% in January despite rising online sales.
The value of sales was also 7.8% lower than the previous month, while the overall decline was largely driven by reduced business in non-food stores, where sales plummeted 24.4% in the period.

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