Level 3, just vibin'.

There were queues at 5am outside Penneys today as the retail giant and other stores opened for the first time since October. All non-essential shops had been closed for six weeks under the government's Level 5 Covid plan, finally reopening their doors to the public this morning. Considerable queues were noted at Penneys stores in Dublin City Centre, Blanchardstown and Limerick, as customers were once again permitted to purchase essentials like pyjamas, socks, and underwear. This is the second time that Penneys and other retailers have reopening this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shops were closed for months earlier this year as the government struggled to grapple with the growing number of Covid cases in the country. All Penneys stores will operate under extended trading hours in the lead up to Christmas with Dundrum Town Centre and Blanchardstown Centre opening for 24 hours from 7am on Wednesday December 2 right through to closing time on Thursday December 3. Other stores will trade to a minimum time of 9pm on weekdays. Stores on major city streets and shopping centres will be open until 10pm. As Ireland moves into Level 3 restrictions (with some modifications) for the month of December, restaurants, pubs with a kitchen, another non-essential retailers will be welcoming customers back allowing them to meet friends, purchase Christmas presents, and enjoy some semblance of normality for the festive season. As the month progresses, people will be permitted to travel anywhere in the country and up to three households will be allowed to mix around Christmas time. In the New Year, it is likely that some level of lockdown restrictions will be reinstated so until then, just let people queue for their fluffy socks, yeah? There's no harm in it.