Taoiseach says pubs needed to stay shut to avoid 'more serious' Covid outbreak

PUBS needed to remain shut to avoid a “more serious” Covid catastrophe in six weeks time, the Taoiseach has hinted.

Micheál Martin was speaking to reporters in Belfast after his meeting with First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill.

Mr Martin told the Irish Mirror:“It’s extremely difficult for publicans, I understand that, it’s extremely difficult for many in the hospitality sector.

 “Advice will be continuing, we will engage with the industry in terms of making it safe on August 10.

An Taoiseach Micheal Martin talks to the media outside the Stormont Hotel, Belfast, following meeting with representatives of Northern Ireland political parties. PA Photo. (PA/ Brian Lawless)

“The figures will be reviewed, nothing can be taken as gospel in terms of Covid because it is a moving dynamic.

“But I do think the pause we have brought in will help because the modelling if we didn't do it was suggesting something more serious for us in five or six weeks time.”

When asked about financial aid to publicans who are on their knees, Mr Martin said the existing schemes such as the wage subsidy scheme is available to all businesses.

But said the July stimulus will have “an interesting sweet” of mechanisms for people to avail of.

Mr Martin said all leaders in the North were “very conscious” of the travel issue and said they were “very fearful of a second surge” in the autumn.”