‘We are going to need a real push from society to get us back to Level 2’

Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions come into force across the country at midnight, tonight (Tuesday) with local businesses and communities left reeling at the setback.

The announcement which will see pubs closing and travel restricted to within one's own county, came as 32 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Meath yesterday.

The restrictions have angered local businesses and particularly pubs who will shut down again tonight just two weeks after they reopened.

Meanwhile, an Garda Síochána will re-commence Operation Fanacht from midnight tonight as part of a nationwide operation focused on compliance with the current public health measures.

Paula McCaul, CEO of Meath Chamber of Commerce, said the massive challenges that Level 3 will present to the food, beverage, tourism and hospitality sectors and the culture-based venues in Meath "could not be underestimated".

“This blow is only tempered slightly by the relief that a higher level was not endorsed as yet. However, the storm clouds remain in the background and give rise to huge uncertainty in the minds of business owners.

“A real push is now needed from all of society, to return to level two, and ensure we can resume meaningful economic activity for retail and hospitality before Christmas.”

“The imposition of restrictions be they Level Three, Four or Five must be better signposted and communicated. They must also be accompanied by a corresponding and targeted package of financial supports for the businesses and employees impacted.”

TWO WEEKS AGO...

The new measures were described as a “hammer blow” by Navan publican Damien Clarke.

“It is going to be devastating. The worrying thing is it may go on for longer than three weeks. We have to let our staff go again. It is a terrible time.”

Slane publican, Wayne Harding described it as “a nightmare. It is untenable and not economically viable. I will have to close my doors at midnight tonight. Businesses are paying a heavy price for the small minority of people who are not behaving properly and thousands of jobs will be lost.”

Navan's Mick Ryan said it was very disappointing.

“We have been locked up for over six months and now we have to close again. The concern now is, will we be allowed open over Christmas?

“It is tough times for our staff, who were delighted to be able to get back to work. It was very different, but we adapted to it well.”

Mr Ryan said serving 15 people outdoors, just wasn't feasible.

Padraig Fitzsimons of the Stonehouse in Navan said he really felt for his staff.

“It is very disappointing to have been closed for six months and to reopen only to have to close again. It had been great to see our customers again and things had been working well. People had really appreciated being able to get out,” he said.

He hoped they would be able to reopen in three weeks and that people don't start holding house parties again, now the pubs are closed.

Deputy Darren O'Rourke said the rising number of cases was a very worrying trend.

“We now have a couple of vital weeks to hopefully get it back under control.”

Minister Thomas Byrne said the decision to move the country to Level 3 restrictions was not a decision that was taken lightly.

“I am acutely conscious of the impact this will have on people and businesses here in Meath. The ask of society is extremely onerous but unfortunately the upward trend in Covid-19 cases, and particularly the volume of community transmission, means that the ask is necessary.

“We have been so united in battling this virus and people must be commended for the huge sacrifices already made by so many.”