Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced closures to all “non-essential businesses” on Monday night but many Fermanagh businesses of this nature had already taken the decision to close their doors.

There are however a number of businesses that have been deemed “essential” and will remain open such as pharmacies, supermarkets and banks. Many businesses are taking steps to ensure social distancing is maintained with Cathcarts pharmacy in Derrygonnelly, pictured right, one example. A partitioned wall and perspex glass has been erected for the safety of both staff and customers.

However, shops selling “non-essential” goods have been ordered to close as Mr. Johnson took dramatic steps to combat the spread of Covid-19.

The draconian measures will be in place for at least three weeks, although Arlene Foster has gone on record to say that if she was “betting” she would predict that the measures will last for longer than that and go on past Easter. Libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship will all close.

Over the weekend and on Monday prior to the Prime Minister’s announcement many Fermanagh businesses had already told customers that their doors were closing. One such business, the Belmore Court and Motel said on social media: “After almost 25 years managing the Belmore Court and Motel this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do but I know it’s for the right reasons.

“I am thankful that the team will be looked after by the Employee Retention Scheme and will be back soon to look after our guests.”

Another well known business in Enniskillen, Graham, also closed its doors stating: “It was with a heavy heart and much sadness that we decided to temporarily close our doors last night. We stayed open as long as possible, but the health and safety of our community, including our employees and customers is our top priority. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful staff for their unwavering support and hard work during this stressful and emotional time.”

Lochside Garages announced just an hour before the Prime Minister announced the new measures that they too were closing their doors: “Due to the Covid-19 virus pandemic and following advice from health officials and government we have taken the decision to close the business to the public... The health, safety and well-being of our staff, customers and general public is the most important factor at this time,” the company said on its Facebook page although it added that it will be keeping a skeleton staff on and that it will continue with its work for the NHS: “We are a maintenance and repair provider to the NHS Western Trust for vehicles we will continue to provide this essential service at this extremely challenging time. Should an NHS health worker or other front line worker find themselves with a car related emergency please do not hesitate to contact... Over the last 50 years in business in Enniskillen we have supported the local community wherever we could and will continue to do so during and after these challenging times, if there is anything we as a company can do please get in touch,” the statement finished.

While established businesses were closing their doors new businesses were also having their dreams shattered. Sharon West of Doggy Day Care spoke to the Impartial Reporter: “I set up my Doggy Day Care business in January, and it was going amazing, then died due to coronavirus, I don’t know whether I will get through it as I fall in between sectors they are helping, I’m not retail, leisure or hospitality,” she said, before adding: “I am gutted, as how long will your landlord let you stay there with no rent, there is no income coming in, we are worried but also resigned that to keep our children safe this is the only option, really scary times.”

Speaking on television the Prime Minister said people should not be going shopping except for essentials such as food and medicine.

Although that meant that food retailers and pharmacies would remain open, Mr. Johnson said people should limit shopping trips and use delivery services where possible.

In a sombre statement, the Prime Minister said: “To ensure compliance with the Government’s instruction to stay at home, we will immediately close all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship.”

He acknowledged the move would disrupt people’s lives, businesses and jobs.

“I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review,” he said.

“We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to.

“But at present there are just no easy options. The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.”

The closure of shops was part of a wider restriction which could see people fined for breaking the rules.