Shock in Ireland. The Irish government has just spoken out with a clear decision: the coronavirus situation forces them to postpone Phase 4, which included the full reopening of all Irish pubs across the country. This means reopening is now pushed back to August 10. This choice has hit pub owners hard nationwide.
The Government Takes a Cautious Approach
A Rise in COVID-19 Cases on the Island Delays Phase 4
Ireland was scheduled to enter Phase 4 starting Monday, July 20. This much-anticipated date promised Irish pubs without food service the chance to welcome back the public.
But travelers and locals alike will have to wait: the country has seen an increase in coronavirus cases on the island. This worrying trend has led the government to play it safe once again, avoiding reopening pubs too soon.
This decision has sparked an outcry across the nation. For many establishments, closed since March, reopening on August 10 seems unthinkable.
The VFI Federation, representing Irish pubs, called the government’s decision “shocking“. They warn this move will have huge consequences for family-run Irish pubs across the country.
Many pubs face the risk of bankruptcy. These are real tragedies that, according to the federation, could be mitigated if every Irish pub strictly followed health and safety guidelines.
Nevertheless, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin has stated he will be uncompromising on health safety:
The R number, which we all know, is now above 1 in Ireland. And the international situation, with nearly one and a half million cases reported last week, is a growing concern.
For the politician, taking reckless risks is out of the question. Irish pub owners will have to wait… and hope for the best.
