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There is a high probability that pubs and restaurants in Ireland are not open for New Years celebrations, the Taoiseach said.
Micheál Martin said that the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) recommended that stricter restrictions be introduced before the end of the year, as the number of cases continues to rise.
Speaking at the Newstalk breakfast on Friday, Mr. Martin said that under the proposed “Level 3+” restrictions to be introduced after Christmas, construction and non-essential retail will remain open but services like barbers should be monitored.
He denied that the government and Nphet are “alarming” with their warnings on transmission rates.
Mr. Martin said he was “concerned” about the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in recent days and that the Government would take Nphet’s recommendation “very seriously”.
He said government officials will work through the weekend on plans to ensure there is a cushion to support businesses.