A Cork City councillor has called on large supermarket chains to consider opening 24 hours during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Independent Councillor Ken O’Flynn said it could be beneficial so people can practice social distancing adequately, and so that a round-the-clock service is available in communities.

He has called on chains such as Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Aldi and SuperValu to consider moving to a 24-hour model.

“I know a 24-hour model is not something that is normal for these shops but we are not in normal times now and anything that will aid the plight of people in fighting this disease needs to be done,” he said. “With so many of our citizens out of work and at home, we need to stagger the shopping times as much as possible so that social distancing becomes the norm in supermarkets.”

He praised the service many stores in Cork are already providing, with gloves and hand sanitizer available at their entrances, as well as the erection of shields in front of cashiers, and the promotion of contactless payment.

“There is no doubt that we are in uncharted waters now and we need to look at everything, and think of everything and do anything and everything to make things as easy as possible for our people as the demands on them are unprecedented,” he added.