Tesco To Help Over 65s & Family Carers With Early Store Access

Tesco Ireland has today announced that to help those most in need in communities at this time, it is offering over 65-year olds and family carers a dedicated time for them to do their shopping, in its 151 stores nationwide.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting this Wednesday 18th March, these customers will have dedicated access to all Tesco stores up to 9am.  Tesco stores open at 7am or 8am, every morning, depending on location.

Kari Daniels, Chief Executive, Tesco Ireland said; “We recognise that people over 65 and family carers who are looking after vulnerable family members at home, have specific needs during this time. In liaison with the HSE and following discussions with Age Action Ireland and Family Carers Ireland, together we agreed that this is the right thing to do, at this time.

While these customers can obviously shop with us at any time, we hope that offering this dedicated time will give these customers some peace of mind during their shopping trip with us.  We would ask that all our other customers understand and support this initiative to help protect those most in need at this time,” Daniels concluded.

Family Carers Ireland welcome this initiative by Tesco Ireland and “hope that it will give family carers and their loved ones some reassurance in terms of minimising contact risks during this crisis which is impacting on all in our society” stated Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Carer Engagement, Family Carers Ireland.

Paddy Connolly, CEO Age Action welcomed the initiative by Tesco saying ‘People in high risk groups and their family carers are naturally anxious about going into a public space such as a supermarket and are trying to limit their social contacts and practice social distancing. A dedicated shopping time for high risk groups and their family carers means that they can get essential groceries with some peace of mind and maintain some level of normality in their lives during the COVID-19 outbreak”.

Tesco colleagues in store are following the HSE’s advice on personal health hygiene and social distancing with customers encouraged to the same. Tesco continues to follow the advice and guidance of the HSE at all times.  Customers can check the opening times of their local store here.

About Family Carers Ireland

Family Carers Ireland is the national charity supporting the 355,000 family carers across the country who care for loved ones such as children or adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, the terminally ill or those suffering from chronic illnesses or addiction. It provides a range of services and supports for family carers through its 22 resource and outreach centres nationwide.

About Age Action

Age Action supports and advocates for equality and human rights for all older people.

About Tesco Ireland

Tesco is one of the biggest private sector employers in Ireland employing over 13,000 colleagues across the country. Tesco offers the highest average rate of pay in the retail industry and market leading benefits. www.tesco.ie