Business groups say members should steer clear of online campaigners calling for great re-opening thejournal.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thejournal.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Cabinet has agreed to extend Level 5 restrictions until April 5 while also reopening schools on a phased basis as the Taoiseach has said that the end is “truly in sight”.
In an address to the nation, Micheál Martin told the country that the Government has published its updated Living with Covid-19 roadmap, called ‘The Path Ahead’.
The country will remain in Level 5 restrictions up to April 5 and next month, the Government will consider easing the 5km travel ban and may also allow some outdoor activities.
However, any easing of restrictions will be dependent on public health advice.
320,000 students will return to school on Monday, including junior and senior infants, first and second class and Leaving Cert students.
Sun, 21 Feb, 2021 - 10:34 Taoiseach taking it upon himself to tell our employees they won’t have jobs back until summer : Cork hospitality figures critical of reopening update
Vienna Woods Hotel proprietor Michael Magner said he was disappointed with the lack of communication towards the hospitality sector.
John Bohane
BUSINESS figures within the Cork hospitality industry have expressed their disappointment following the Taoiseach’s admission that Ministers will not consider reopening hospitality until the middle of the summer.
Micheál Martin expressed concern about uncertainties surrounding new variants of coronavirus and high numbers of infections as he said: We don t foresee the reopening of pubs etc before the middle of the summer.”
Vintners, restaurateurs and members of the public have reacted with widespread fury to the blow dealt by Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the hospitality sector on Saturday.
As the Government continuously stresses the need for caution and conservatism in terms of Ireland’s emergence from Level 5, the Fianna Fáil leader stated on Saturday that no consideration will be given to the reopening of pubs and restaurants before the middle of the summer.
While the news may not have come as a surprise to many stakeholders, the lack of certainty and clarity from Government sources has been criticised as a mark of disrespect to those most impacted by pandemic closures.