Restaurants & gastropubs expected to be closed from Christmas Eve Published: Tuesday, 22 December 2020 07:37
Restaurants and gastro-pubs will be told to close on Christmas Eve under plans going before the Cabinet this morning.
Last night the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan made a presentation to the coalition party leaders, setting out a stark picture of rising case numbers as well as fears over the new strain of the virus emerging from the UK.
He told them Level Five restrictions will be needed at some point after Christmas.
Following the meeting, a number of recommendations are going to cabinet today.
From mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve restaurants, gastropubs, hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, cinemas and galleries will have to close.
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Dr Holohan and Professor Philip Nolan, who tracks the virus, said although the potential driving force of the new strain could not be ruled out, the dramatic jump in infections was due to the pre-Christmas rush of socialising and mixing.
Another 727 cases of the virus were reported yesterday and the country could be heading for 900 cases a day by the end of December, and a critical daily toll as high as 1,300 by January 6.
Dr Holohan said: “Our current disease trends are gravely concerning. The situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent days.
“A total of 3,837 cases have been notified in the past seven days.
Restaurants and gastro pubs will be told to close on Christmas Eve under plans going to cabinet this morning.
The ban on flights from the UK is also being extended until the end of the year.
It comes as Ministers have been warned Level 5 restrictions will be needed after Christmas.
Last night the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan made a presentation to the coalition party leaders last night setting out a stark picture of rising case numbers as well as fears over the new strain of the virus emerging from the UK.
He told them Level Five restrictions will be needed at some point after Christmas.
Holohan: Level 5 restrictions will be needed some time after Christmas
A source said that the Government announcement, due on Tuesday at around midday, would likely see extra supports announced for affected businesses.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has told the Government he believes Level 5 restrictions will be needed at some point after Christmas.
Tue, 22 Dec, 2020 - 06:30
Paul Hosford, Political Correspondent
Pubs and restaurants will close in mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve and remain closed for the full festive period.
The move to curb growing Covid-19 numbers will be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday after Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan briefed the cabinet sub-committee on the virus on Monday.
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