The wait is over!
RESTAURANTS, PLACES OF WORSHIP, BEAUTY SALONS AND HAIR SALONS OPEN THEIR DOORS
THE slow return to something resembling normality continued on Monday as the Phase 3 easing of coronavirus restrictions allowed the likes of pubs, hairdressers, barbers, gyms, churches and cafés to reopen.
The majority of premises had remained closed for over 15 weeks before being allowed to reopen.
From Monday, pubs serving food were allowed trade and sell alcohol so long as a meal worth €9 is also served. Pubs that do not serve food will be allowed to reopen on July 20.
Amanda Kane of Amanda’s Hair Salon in Wicklow town was delighted to be able to welcome customers back.
‘Our clients were thrilled to be able to come back and it has been great to meet up with everyone again. We all have our PPE gear and visors and are sticking to the social distancing regulations. It’s just nice to have some sort of normality back again.’
Halpins Bridge Cafe also welcomed back a steady-flow of customers on Monday, many of whom they hadn’t seen for the past number of months.
‘It’s been great and we have been really busy. It’s nice to be able to greet all our customers again. We have four tables in place so as to stick to social distancing but we should have the whole place back open in three weeks time when most of the tables go back in,’ said Shauna Kelly.
Fr Donal Roche of Wicklow Parish said the first mass held on Monday proved a emotional affair for parishioners who hadn’t been able to attend mass services since Covid-19 restrictions came into play in March.
‘Our first mass back open to the public was very emotional. People were just delighted to be back and there was even a round of applause at the start of the service. People really missed not being able to attend mass.
‘We have great stewarding where people welcome you and usher you to your seat. Every second row is roped off.
‘We have had a good attendance so far but some people are still a little reluctant because of Covid, which is understandable. We expect things to really get busy this Sunday. I never thought I would be saying this, but if people are attending mass during weekdays, then maybe they could take the Sunday off so as to free up some space for those who only go to mass on a Sunday,’ said Fr Roche.