Image: Shutterstock Image: Shutterstock A STALLED REOPENING of the hospitality sector due to concerns about the Delta variant would have a “catastrophic” impact, members of the industry have said.
Donnelly said this morning that it is “too early to say” if a further reopening of society, due on 5 July, will be delayed by a few weeks due to the Delta variant of Covid-19.Tánaiste Leo Varadkar also said today that the Government can only make a decision with the most up to date data.NPHET is due to advise the Government next Thursday on the epidemiological situation in Ireland, ahead of the next phase of reopening due on Monday 5 July.
He added it is concerning that there has been between a 30%-40% increase in cases and hospitalisations there over the last week, but also highlighted that this is “from a very low base”.“Any delay in reopening indoor hospitality on 5 July will have a catastrophic economic effect on restaurants, cafes & pubs specifically those in tourist area’s.
He explained that the eight weeks until the end of August is a vital period for publicans as it remains the only realistic opportunity to salvage something from 2021 and tide them over until next year. “The business generated in July and August will sustain most pubs through the winter and into next year so for Government to delay reopening during the summer will impact the sector to a much greater degree than, for instance, a delay in January.