Shutdowns all over

IN the wake of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announcing a range of restrictions to cope with the coronavirus outbreak, a variety of organisations across the country have announced cancellations, postponements and closures.

As well as schools, colleges and childcare facilities closing, the advice to cancel mass gatherings of more than 100 people indoors, and all outdoor gatherings of 500 people, has also had a severe impact.

The FAI announced the cessation of all football under its jurisdiction until March 29 inclusive, and with immediate effect following directives from Government, the Department of Health and Uefa.

This includes Dundalk’s defence of their Airtricity League title as well as amateur and underage football across the country.

Dundalk Schoolboys Leauge have instructed all clubs to all football activity with immediate affect.

All Gaelic football and hurling has been suspended until March 29. Louth had two games remaining in their NFL Division 3 campaign, away to Cork and at home to Down.

Racing in Ireland will also be closed to the public until March 29 and this began with last Friday’s meeting in Dundalk. Greyhound racing in Dundalk Stadium also went ahead but with the same restrictions. deployed on a 24/7 basis.

The Courts Service is introducing measures, which will scale back the number and size of court hearings.

The District Court will remain open throughout the country. In response to Government directions to minimise social contact, work in the District Court will be scaled back to deal with urgent matters only. Non-urgent matters will be adjourned to future dates.

All Circuit Court civil and family law matters are generally to continue as normal and, insofar as possible, High Court civil lists are to continue as normal.