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Ireland calls off party and delays opening all pubs after rise in coronavirus infections among young

Taoiseach Micheal Martin breaks the news that the opening of 3,500 pubs will have to be postponed after a surge in coronavirus infections  - Julien Behal/PA
Taoiseach Micheal Martin breaks the news that the opening of 3,500 pubs will have to be postponed after a surge in coronavirus infections - Julien Behal/PA

Ireland has delayed the opening of the rest of its pubs after a significant rise in coronavirus infections among the young forced its government to delay the phase four of the easing of lockdown.

Micheal Martin, the Taoiseach, announced the move after public health officials identified a rise in the re-infection rate from below 1 to between 1.2 and 1.8. “Unrestricted house parties have led to a rise in recent outbreaks of the virus,” said Mr Martin.

It was important to act immediately. “By doing so, we give ourselves the best chance possible to fully re-open our schools in late August,” he said.

The move was described as a ‘hammer blow’ to the hospitality industry. Rural pubs will be particularly heavily hit, said Padraig Cribben, head of the Vitners' Federation of Ireland. He predicted many would go out of business.

Drinkers in Dublin celebrate last month after pubs that sell food open again - but now drinking-only outlets are to stay closed after a setback in the fight against Covid-19 - Paul Faith /AFP
Drinkers in Dublin celebrate last month after pubs that sell food open again - but now drinking-only outlets are to stay closed after a setback in the fight against Covid-19 - Paul Faith /AFP

Almost 3,500 drinking-only pubs were due to re-open next Monday, but that has now been delayed until August 10. About 7,000 pubs which sell food had been able to re-open last month, with social distancing and hygiene precautions.

Mr Cribben said: “This is a shocking decision, and will be a hammer blow to thousands of pubs and their local communities. The vast majority of these pubs are small rural outlets run by families who are on first-name terms with their customers. They are far removed from the crowded venues that are causing concern.”

Public health officials identified 96 clusters of infection caused by large gatherings in private homes. The fear is that figure would increase, if replicated in pubs. The incidence of the disease has risen from a low of 2.5 cases per 100,000 people to 3.9 cases per 100,000 on Wednesday.

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Ireland has had a tough approach to lockdown. Its death toll stands at 1,748, just over half the death rate of the UK, where 45,053 have died.

Mr Martin’s announcement is the first setback in the easing of measures since the government set out its roadplan in May. He said: “We need to refocus the message for our young people about the positive role they can play in preventing the further spread of the virus.”

Restrictions limiting gathering to 50 people indoors and 200 outdoors, which had been due to be eased, will also be extended. Face coverings will now have to be worn in shops and shopping centres. Night clubs will remain shut until August 10.