Level 3 Covid restrictions see closures yet again
With Wednesday, October 7 dawned a host of new restrictions and lockdown measures as Ireland entered Level 3 lockdown status for the next three weeks, at least.
With many businesses not long reopened and only beginning to recover from the first lockdown, the Level 3 restrictions will see many close their doors again, some perhaps for the final time.
Under the new measures, no organised indoor gatherings can take place and organised outdoor gatherings are permitted up to a maximum of 15 people, meaning ‘wet pubs’ that only reopened a fortnight ago will close again unless they have adequate outdoor seating.
Facing the new restrictions with a head on approach, James
Clancy, Clancy’s Bar and Guesthouse, Tallow, said he will be remaining open with the provision of an outdoor seating area.
“I couldn’t face closing again, both financially and mentally. We were thrilled to reopen two weeks ago and people were very compliant. They’d missed the pub and the craic, we’re a rural pub and it’s very important for people to have that social outlet,” Mr Clancy told The
Avondhu.
With the Level 3 restrictions up for review in three weeks time, Mr Clancy told
The Avondhu that he will be reviewing his own arrangements in a week's time as the running of Clancy’s Bar is now weather dependant.
“The maximum we can have is 15, we’ve a large outdoor space but you could have the biggest beer garden in the world and you can still only have 15 people,” he added.
SIGNIFICANT LAYOFF
Corbett Court in Kilworth will be one of those taking a big hit with owner Declan Corbett saying that due to the new restrictions, 100 staff have been laid off.
“I’m very upset and annoyed. I’ve asked for Tony Holohan to be removed from his position. What he did was scandalous, he had all our staff in a panic,” Declan Corbett said.
While Mr Corbett intends to keep operating the pub at the Ballyhea Corbett Court, near Charleville, with the provision of outdoor seating and one member of staff, Corbett Court in Kilworth will be closed until they are allowed to reopen again under the Government guidelines.
“All the pubs should be allowed to stay open if they’re well managed. Pubs and restaurants are going to be hit even if we go to Level 5, yet the off-licences in big supermarkets are still allowed open,” he added.
POSITIVITY
In January 2020, O’Mahony’s of Watergrasshill was named the best pub in Ireland for food by John and Sally McKenna, while February saw the inclusion of the restaurant in the Top 100 list for restaurants, yet it has not escaped the impact of the pandemic.
With a thriving restaurant, O’Mahony's will now have to close under the Level 3 guidelines.
“We would have been full Friday and Saturday nights, but that’s all gone now so it’s a massive change and we’ll have to reorganise the business,” owner,
Victor Murphy told The
Avondhu.
With the recent opening of a new farm shop and café with outdoor seating and a takeaway offering, Mr Murphy will still be able to retain some aspect of his business during the latest restrictions.
“That’s still open but it’s Ireland and it’s winter, so that’s a massive impact on the business. But it’s for health reasons, so we’ll just have to try and understand it and be positive,” he said.
While Mr Murphy says the pandemic has had ' a devastating impact' on business, he is doing his best to maintain a positive outlook and approach.
“The 'stop start' nature of this is very difficult for people and it’s a very stressful time for everyone, but we have to deal with the situation as best we can and be as supportive as we can.
“It's hugely important at this time to support local businesses who are trying their
best and trying to do new things and reinvent themselves,” he stressed.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Local churches are among those facing major changes to operations during this time, with Masses allowed to go ahead without the presence of a congregation and in-person parish meetings called to a halt.
Among those trying to adapt to the times is the Glanworth, Ballindangan and Curraghagalla parish, with Mass now being streamed online via Facebook.
Fr Michael Corkery told The Avondhu:
"We have been up and running online since the last lockdown, we're trying to stay relevant."
During these difficult times, many parishes have moved online to continue to provide religious services while Masses are celebrated behind closed doors.
Despite this, under Level Three guidelines, funeral Masses and weddings may still take place with a maximum of 25 people and churches may remain open for personal prayer. Baptisms, Communions and Confirmations however, must be postponed.
"We must keep up hope. We will continue to stream Mass on Facebook and, hopefully, this lockdown will only be for a short duration," Fr Corkery added.