Pubs that do not serve food to stay closed in Republic

PUBS in the Republic that do not serve food are to remain closed until August 10.

Currently only bars that provide a substantial meal are allowed to sell alcohol with it.

Ministers are expected to delay plans to fully reopen the industry from next week over concerns about the number of young people who have contracted Covid-19. Face coverings are also set to be made mandatory in shops following yesterday evening’s Cabinet meeting in Dublin.

Medics have expressed concern about the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks as lockdown eases.

Monday was supposed to mark the next stage of the Republic’s road map out of social distancing restrictions which have paralysed life since March.

Dr Ronan Glynn, acting chief medical officer at the Department of Health, said: “We are at a sensitive stage in the pandemic — this requires caution and collective effort to hold firm and keep the virus suppressed in the community.”

Two more people have died with Covid-19 in the Republic, the National Public Health Emergency Team said, bringing the total to 1,748.

As of midnight on Tuesday, the health system had been notified of 14 more confirmed cases.

Yesterday the Garda said the vast majority of licensed premises had been found to be in compliance with regulations and licensing laws.

In 37 individual cases — including 26 during the weekend of July 3-5 — officers found potential breaches of health regulations or licensing laws.