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 face masks - but the risk of interacting with the public and getting Covid-19 is a worry, Ms Shanley says.
However, she says the vast majority of customers are adhering to the public health guidelines.
"It makes you feel good that we're able to look after the community and they are very grateful for it," she says. "You might have customers coming up to you ... we've had cards given to us and it gives us a morale boost to the staff and makes it worth it."
Public transport is another essential service that has kept moving, albeit at a reduced capacity.
"We're on the road pretty much all day, every day," says Bill Hopkins, a Bus Éireann driver. "It's very eerie when you get to Dublin and there's no one up there when you arrive."
Mr Hopkins works the Wicklow to Dublin route, meaning an early start most mornings. He has been working throughout the pandemic, and many of his passengers are frontline workers in hospitals in Dublin.
"On a personal and professional level, it gives you a good feeling to know you're helping things moving in this pandemic. It gives you a good sense of accomplishment."
Mr Hopkins says there are extra measures in place on board, adding that while it is always in the back of his mind just how transmissible the disease is, all of his passengers have been complying with the face coverings rule.
In Fairview in Dublin, Donna Mulcahy is making another of her house calls.
She is a carer for Pioneer Homecare and looks after six elderly people who rely on her to get them through the pandemic.
"I get them up, washed, dressed go downstairs and clean the house," she says.
Ms Mulcahy has worked a minimum of five days per week every week since March. She says some of those she looks after have not stepped outside since Covid-19 arrived here because they are too frightened.
It's sometimes hard for her to switch off from the job, she says.
"You do worry. If one of your clients didn't feel well that day, you would think 'Oh God, I hope they're OK tonight' because they're at home on their own.
"I'm always early the next morning to make sure they're OK. You know, it's scary."
