Christmas parties are in the firing line after health chiefs issued a new study branding crowded indoor gatherings the highest risk of Covid-19 transmission.
A study ordered by the health watchdog NPHET confirmed settings where people are singing and shouting increase the spread of the virus.
Its current stance on the opening of restaurants and pubs has been backed by the latest review from the Health Information and Quality Authority.
Under current Level 5 restrictions, the hospitality sector must remain closed and only offer takeaway service, while all non-essential retailers have also been forced to shut their doors.
HIQA has now backed up NPHET, saying indoor settings with large groups, as well as poorly-ventilated environments where there is boisterous behaviour, insufficient use of face coverings and prolonged interaction between people all mean there is a higher risk of Covid-19 transmission.
HIQA’s review looked at international evidence, although there is as yet no Irish data available.
Hospitality chiefs have hit out at the lack of proof of outbreaks in their sector when it was trading.
HIQA deputy chief executive Dr Mairin Ryan said: “The international evidence highlights the main factors that contribute to spread of Covid-19 are indoor settings, crowds and prolonged contact.”
HIQA also found most coronavirus clusters happen in household settings – which means family Christmas parties could also be off the cards this festive season.
If one member of the household becomes infected, it is likely everyone will get the virus.
Dr Ryan said: “Our findings reinforce the importance of adherence to self-isolation guidance, despite the challenges it can pose, for those with Covid-19, those awaiting test results and those with symptoms.
“This means following the HSE guidance on self-isolation including staying indoors, in a room with a window you can open, and completely avoiding contact with other people, including where possible other household members, for at least 10 days.”
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has warned party colleagues “difficult decisions” will have to be taken ahead of Level Five restrictions lifting on December 1.
He told a parliamentary party meeting that there will be a Covid-19 debate in the Dáil next week to discuss the exit strategy out of Level Five.
But publicans and restaurant owners insisted their premises are environments where staff and customers public health guidelines.
Because of this, they say they should be allowed to re-open.
And on Wednesday, businesses and retailers renewed their pleas to reopen before December, in order to manage excessive pre-Christmas demand.
Retail Excellence, the representative body for the industry, called on the Government to reopen non-essential businesses including cafes, before next month.
Employers group Ibec also pleaded for businesses to be allowed to re-open.
Its chief executive Danny McCoy slammed the Government for taking a blunt approach to restrictions and closing down most sectors when it would be possible for some to remain open.
