The Dublin Chamber is calling on the Government to clarify rationale behind the introduction of new COVID-19 guidelines announced yesterday.
They've said that there is "considerable" confusion among the business community in the capital.
And while Dublin businesses are committed to the fight against the coronavirus, they need answers as to why decisions have been made in re-introducing restrictions across the country.
Following many measures by businesses to adapt to the changes introduced in recent months, the Chamber says it comes as a "major blow".
Dublin Chamber is calling on the Government to:
- Explain fully and provide the evidence behind why each of these new measures has been introduced
- Provide details of where clusters have appeared and outline the high risk work places
- Confirm whether office workplaces have been connected to any clusters of the virus, including details of sectors and numbers affected
- Confirm whether any small restaurants or coffee shops been connected to any clusters of the virus
- Explain the rationale behind the differing capacity limits between the various types of setting
- Confirm whether public transport has been connected to any clusters of the virus
- Provide an update on the Government's plans for testing, tracing and contacting over the coming months, including the upcoming winter period
- Explain what the long-term plan for coping with the virus is, e.g. containment, investment in health service capacity to deal with infections, or elimination
Dublin Chamber CEO Mary Rose Burke said: “At the moment we have a one-size-fits-all approach without explanation. That is not sustainable.
"Without absolute clarity and transparency around the causes of clusters and known risk factors, it is inconceivable that whole sections of the economy would be locked down.
"Without this information, blanket measures are completely unfair on the many businesses who have spent huge amounts of time and money on ensuring they are compliant with regulations and providing a safe working environment for employees.
"It is vital that that the Government works closely with the business community to ensure any new measures or changes are targeted in the right areas and commensurate with the risks and realities that exist."
