Ireland coronavirus: Pubs may stay closed until March

Ireland’s pubs may stay closed until MARCH to keep coronavirus cases under control

  • Ireland’s ‘wet’ pubs first closed in March as coronavirus arrived in the country
  • Government now considering keeping them shut until at least March next year 
  • Means pubs in Dublin will have been shut for a full year, while those outside the capital will have been allowed to open for just three weeks
  • Pubs serving food are exempt, but top medic has advised people to avoid them

Ireland’s pubs may be forced to stay closed under March to keep coronavirus cases under control, a government source has said.

If the move goes ahead, it will mean that Ireland’s ‘wet pubs’ – those that don’t serve food – will have been closed for almost a year amid the pandemic.

The country’s famed drinking establishments first closed just before St Patrick’s Day and have remained shut ever since – aside from three weeks between September and October when some were allowed to open.

Ireland's 'wet' pubs - those that don't serve food - may have to stay closed until March next year under plans being considered by the government (file image)

Ireland’s ‘wet’ pubs – those that don’t serve food – may have to stay closed until March next year under plans being considered by the government (file image)

Those inside Dublin have not been allowed to open their doors at all, as rates of virus transmission in the capital remained above government thresholds. 

And it appears there is no respite in sight for the country’s beleaguered pub industry.

A government source told the Irish Independent: ‘Unfortunately it is highly unlikely we’ll see [wet pubs] reopen in the coming months.

‘Data shows even opening pubs that serve food leads to a rise in new cases.’

Pubs that serve food have been allowed to reopen, though Ireland’s chief medical officer advised people to avoid such places.

Dr Tony Holohan tweeted on Sunday: ‘We have low cases and deaths compared to EU/UK/US. This is at risk now- just as vaccines arrive.

Ireland is seeing coronavirus cases rise as a nationwide lockdown that came into effect throughout August is eased over the Christmas break

Ireland is seeing coronavirus cases rise as a nationwide lockdown that came into effect throughout August is eased over the Christmas break

Deaths in Ireland from the virus have remained low, and ministers are urging people not to lose focus now as vaccines start being rolled out

Deaths in Ireland from the virus have remained low, and ministers are urging people not to lose focus now as vaccines start being rolled out

‘To protect yourself & those you love: Stay home. Don’t meet up. Stay away from restaurants/pubs. Avoid crowds. Use masks. Follow health advice.’

On Sunday, Ireland recorded 764 new cases of the virus and another four deaths.

That brings the country’s total case count from 78.778 to 79,542. The overall death toll now stands at 2,158.

Announcing the data, Dr Holohan said the virus is now circulating widely among the young, with the rate of infections doubling in ten days.

He said medics are now worried that young people will socialise with their elderly relatives over Christmas, putting them at risk.

Up to three households will be allowed to mix in Ireland over Christmas, but the country's chief medic is asking people to consider whether the gatherings are worth it (file image)

Up to three households will be allowed to mix in Ireland over Christmas, but the country’s chief medic is asking people to consider whether the gatherings are worth it (file image)

Up to three households are being allowed to mix in Ireland over the holidays, but ministers are still advising people to avoid large gatherings, meet outdoors if possible, and maintain social distancing as much as possible.

People are also being asked to strictly limit their social contacts in the run-up to Christmas, to ensure they are not carrying the virus.

For those who have been socialising ahead of the Christmas break, he said: ‘Is it responsible to meet with your family over 65 later this week, if you have not kept your contacts low? Should you cancel your plans?

‘We have the very real prospect of Covid-19 vaccines on the horizon. Ensure that your loved ones stay alive to receive them, by keeping your distance from them if you have not restricted your movements to this point.’

source: dailymail.co.uk