There has been much focus lately on the critical work being done by those on the frontline in hospitals in the battle against Covid-19, but there has also been extra pressure on those working in essential services whose doors have remained open throughout the crisis.
Ruth Shanley, the store manager at the Fortunestown branch of Lidl in Co Dublin, says it has been challenging. "We're very busy, but nothing like what happened in March when people were stockpiling," she says. "That has levelled off." The shop has kept its doors open throughout the crisis - with preventative measures in place, such as customers wearing facemasks - but the risk of interacting with the public and getting Covid-19 is a worry, Ms Shanley says.