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19th Dec 2020

NPHET propose closure of all bars and restaurants from December 28

Rory Cashin

Some, but not all, of the restrictions are expected to be brought forward by a full week.

On Friday, the Taoiseach outlined some likely scenarios following Christmas in regards to the current Level 3 restrictions around the country, and today, RTE have reported that the Cabinet is set to meet on Tuesday, December 21 to discuss the latest proposals from the National Public Health Emergency Team, urging the closure of bars and restaurants from Monday, December 28.

Currently, it is expected that the government will close all bars and restaurants (with the likely exception of delivery and take away) from Wednesday, December 30, a week ahead of the current plans of increasing the Level 3 restrictions on Thursday, January 7.

Adrian Cummings, the CEO of the Restaurant Association of Ireland, said that the news of the earlier closures “came as a total shock”, and told RTE the following:

“We feel that we’re being scapegoated again, considering we were only open for two weeks and there have been zero Covid outbreaks within hospitality the last 14 days.

“And we’ve pointed out on numerous occasions that if you close our industry down you will increase house parties, and especially on New Year’s Eve.”

Additionally, NPHET are advising restricting inter-county travel, as well as household visits to visitors from one other household.

Currently, visitors from three different households are allowed to visit, and inter-county travel is permitted, and the government is expected to keep these in place until Wednesday, January 6.

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