Pubs announcing closures in battle against Covid-19

Pubs across the region have announced that they are closing in the interest of customers and staff in the face of the Covid-19 virus spread.
Last night, Minister for Health, Simon Harris slammed "insulting" videos showing packed pubs and stag and hen parties in Temple Bar.
Footage emerged on social media on Saturday evening of crowds packing pubs in the popular tourist spot, flying in the face of Government advice on social distancing.
Other videos showed revellers walking through the night spot dressed in hazmat suits seemingly making light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Harris took to social media to blast the scenes, saying they were an insult to the hard work of healthcare staff.
He said: "Not far from here, nurses & doctors are working to prepare for the impact of a global pandemic.
 “Everyone is working 24/7. This is an insult to their efforts. There is very clear public health advice. Follow it. All options will be kept under constant review."
The hashtag #CloseThePubs became the top trending topic on Twitter.

Numerous establishments around Athlone have announced their decisions to close their doors.

Sean's Bar and Peadar's Bar in Moate are to close at 11pm tonight, Sunday. The Coosan Tavern will close at 10pm.

The Snug Bar in Athlone and The Castle Inn have now closed. Thyme Athlone restaurant and Portside Restaurant will close from 8pm tonight, whilst

Custom Cuts and KOKA hair salon have both closed with immediate effect.

The Journal.ie reports this morning that the Taoiseach has indicated that he may seek to introduce new powers to prevent people from gathering in pubs and nightclubs as the Covid-19 outbreak continues. The Chief Medical officer at the Department of Health warned the public to adhere to social distancing guidelines last night, after images on social media showed members of the public going to pubs and restaurants.

Dr Tony Holohan called on people to reduce their social activities - including in pubs and restaurants. Large crowds risk spreading the novel coronavirus further.

His comments came as it emerged that a second person has died as a result of Covid-19 in Ireland, while yesterday saw the highest daily jump in the number of confirmed cases here, bringing the total number to 129. 

In a series of tweets this morning, the Leo Varadkar criticised those who gathered in pubs and nightclubs last night, saying that these did not adhere to guidelines he set out when announcing the closure of schools and colleges on Thursday.

“No indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people applies to pubs and clubs,” Mr Varadkar said, pointing to a recommendation he made for people to avoid indoor gatherings of more than 100 people.

“Have asked [the National Public Health Emergency Team] for further expert guidance on this. May seek enforcement powers from Dáil/Seanad.”

He also called on those who had been in pubs and nightclubs this weekend to avoid contact with older people, as doing so could make them “very sick”.