Ireland placed on full Level 5 Restrictions of the Plan for Living with COVID-19
This will come into effect at midnight tonight, 30 December for all measures, with the exception of non-essential retail and gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools. These businesses should close from close of business on 31 December. Level 5 restrictions will remain in place until midnight on 31 January 2021.
The government has considered a number of factors in arriving at this decision, particularly NPHET concerns that the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 has continued to deteriorate very substantially.
It is recognised that this decision will have an impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, but the clear message is that we must all now stay at home, with the exception of essential purposes, in order to stop the spread of the virus. Supports such as the PUP and the CRSS will continue to be made available to those impacted. A double payment of the CRSS, up to a maximum of
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Business Journalist
Hotels and guesthouses saw revenues fall by €2.6 billion last year, according to the Irish Hotels Federation, as Covid-19 limited the entire hospitality sector for most of 2020.
The figure represents a 60% dip year-on-year, with room occupancy levels falling from 73% to 30%.
The data was based on a survey of IHF members late last year, representing 165 properties and almost 17,000 guest rooms.
The IHF said the figures represented the obliteration of tourism in Ireland last year.
With further restrictions likely to remain in place for months to come it called on the Government to introduce further measures to assist hotels and guesthouses.
Further guidance will be given to parents and the childcare sector on the impact of new Covid-19 restrictions on Thursday, according to the Minister for Childre.