It looks as if a number of Covid restrictions will remain in place this month as health officials try to reign in the current surge in case numbers.
HSE Chief, Paul Reid, confirmed on Monday morning that there are now over 1,000 people in hospital with the virus as the system deals with incredible pressure and staff shortages due to Covid.
Although an official announcement on the easing of current measures is yet to come, according to reports, officials remain ‘anxious’ around the lifting of hospitality restrictions after 21,384 cases were reported yesterday.
It is hoped that an easing in measures will be seen across certain areas of society over the coming weeks, however, there are a few that will likely stay put for the month of January.
The current measures in place include a curfew of 8:00 pm for all restaurants, bars, and cafes, excluding take away or delivery services, which also applies to hotel restaurants and bars, except for overnight residents.
Strict social distancing rules are also in place in all bars and restaurants, including hotels, and means:
- Covid passes are required
- Table service only (no counter service)
- 1 metre between tables
- Maximum 6 adults per table (maximum 15 persons when including children aged 12 and younger)
- No multiple table bookings and no intermingling
- Masks when not seated at table
Nightclubs across the country also remain closed - and are not likely to reopen before the end of the month.
Dublin-based restaurateur Gary Smith told Newstalk that he believes now is the time to ease restrictions on hospitality to allow for a recovery of the sector.
He explained that many businesses have spent a fortune on building outdoor spaces to accommodate for new rules, but with an early curfew many are struggling.
“We all invested quite heavily in outdoor spaces three or four months ago when we were told that was the way forward,” he said.
“If there is to be an 8 pm curfew, I can’t understand why it has to be in place for outdoor dining especially as that was touted very, very recently by Government as to where we should be spending our money.
“8 pm, it might sound small and trivial but it makes no sense. That period between 8 pm and 10 pm is usually where you would balance your books.
“Nobody likes to have their meal at 4 pm in the afternoon.”
Other measures that remain in place across Ireland today are a cap on visitors to private homes, which should still be kept to a maximum of 3 other households (that is, 4 households in total).
Attendance at indoor events has to be limited to 50% of venue capacity or 1,000 attendees, whichever is the lower.
As for outdoor events, they should be limited to 50% of venue capacity or 5,000 attendees, whichever is the lower.
Everyone should continue to work from home unless it is necessary to attend the workplace in person.
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