Mixed sentiment as restrictions removed - ‘cautious’ hope expressed
As the majority of public health restrictions put in place due to Covid-19 were lifted last week, some members of the public The Avondhu have spoken to say that they remain ‘cautious’.
One local, who asked not to be named, said that she felt the lifting of restrictions was ‘a bit too soon’.
“I feel they opened up a bit too soon for clubs and things. I’d like to see life going back to normal but I’d still be very cautious. I wouldn’t be mixing with big crowds, I definitely wouldn’t be going back into pubs soon. I’m even cautious going to funerals,” the Fermoy lady said.
She noted that the general community response she has experienced was of a similar vein.
“A lot of people feel it’s a bit too soon. Some are thrilled, but more are not. Especially if you have someone in the house who is immunocompromised, you’re 1000% more aware.
“We’re delighted to be able to see our children and grandchildren again, but I know they’re mingling a lot in school and the virus is still in schools, so we have to be careful,” she added.
As of 6am, on Saturday, January 22, a number of public health measures were removed, including capacity restrictions on indoor and outdoor events.
‘TOO MUCH TOO SOON’
Guidance in relation to household visits now no longer applies, closing times for hospitality have returned to pre-pandemic times, Covid passes for hospitality and indoor activities are no longer required and a phased return to the physical workplace for all staff has commenced.
Despite the lifting of measures, the sentiment of continued cautiousness was expressed by one Fermoy man The Avondhu spoke with, who noted that much of the older generation believe that the lifting of restrictions may be ‘ too much too soon’.
“A lot of people are of the impression, especially the older generation, that the restrictions might be lifting too soon. People who are vulnerable are now really going to have to mind themselves. I think older people will continue to wear their masks, sanitise and stay as safe as they can,” the local man said.
‘WE HAD TO OPEN UP EVENTUALLY’
A number of Transition Year students at Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy, who we spoke with, took a positive outlook on the easing of restrictions, however, noted that certain precautionary measures would still be taken regardless.
“It’s nice that we can start doing normal things again and that things are opening up more. It’s more freedom and everything is getting back to normal which is good.
“Everybody will always have it in the back of their mind, sanitising and keeping distances, especially around those who are vulnerable, but it is nice now to go about my day and not have to worry about Covid Certs. You don’t have to feel as scared anymore when you go to the cinema or eat in a restaurant,” one student noted.
Speaking with The Avondhu, one Transition Year pupil noted that the recent announcement of the significant easing of restrictions was ‘sudden’ but felt that it was the right thing to do.
“The announcement was very sudden because there was a lot of cases at Christmas, but that’s going down now pretty quickly.
“Everyone is still wearing their masks and being respectful of people’s space, but we had to open up eventually and we can’t just keep waiting for the perfect moment to open up again,” she added.
Reflecting on the past two years, some of the students noted that they had ‘missed out’ on a number of things, but are looking forward to the rest of their Transition Year.
“When Covid first came, everybody was very worried about it and we were all isolating, but I think people are used to it now. We have missed out on quite a lot.
A lot has happened over the last few years and I think it is about time we started reopening,” another student said.
‘FRESH START’
Caution around the reopening was also noted by Fermoy Community Youth Centre Manager, Kieran Barry who stated that the centre is still not securing many bookings.
“We opened on January 10th after Christmas. We took an extended break because we had no bookings. There’s nothing happening at the moment but it’s going to take a while to build up again and for people to build confidence again,” Mr Barry said.
Dealing with bookings to cater for a variety of age groups, from toddlers to those actively retired, Mr Barry stated that it will ‘ take time’ before the bookings at the centre are back to pre-Covid levels.
“Looking forward, we do expect it to improve. It has to improve as we get back to normal but it is very different. You just have to go with the flow and we’re fighting to get back to normal like many other businesses, but our income has suffered,” Mr Barry added.
Since the easing of restrictions, Mr Barry stated that the Centre has yet to receive any bookings from larger groups, as he notes that many of these organisations may still be making decisions around how they will proceed.
“It might be March or April before we get back to normal and it will take time. No matter how much planning ahead you do, it’s very hard to make plans with government restrictions in place. We’re just coming out of it now and it’s nice to have a fresh start. We have to look at this positively,” Mr Barry said.
With a multitude of new groups and organisations that may have formed online during the lockdowns and the pandemic, these may now be seeking a space to finally meet in person, presenting a potential opportunity for facilities that can cater for their needs.
“There’s a lot of people who may have started businesses or organisations on Zoom and we’re hoping that they might keep us in mind, look us up online and get in touch with us,” Mr Barry added.
MEASURES TO BE REVIEWED
While several of the longstanding restrictions were removed by Government, following consideratopn of the latest report from the National Public Health Emergency Team, some remain in place with the wearing of masks among the protective measures to continue. No changes have been made in relation to international travel, and protective measures will also remain in place in primary and secondary schools.
Advice for those with symptoms, positive cases and close contacts also remains in place.
Restrictions will again be reviewed before the end of February.