Laois Chamber Welcomes Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions
Monday, 24th January 2022
Laois Chamber has welcomed the announcement by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Friday, lifting most of the Covid-19 restrictions, including resuming normal trading hours for pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, the removal of capacity restrictions, and removing the requirement for Covid-19 passes and contact tracing details.
Speaking following Friday’s announcement by An Taoiseach, Laois Chamber CEO, Caroline Hofman, said:
“Following nearly two years of restrictions, we welcome the announcement by An Taoiseach on Friday removing the majority of Covid restrictions. This re-opening of society is extremely positive, with the past two years being an extremely challenging time for so many of our members and businesses throughout the county. Businesses in Laois also had the additional challenge of a regional lockdown in August 2020 to contend with.”
“I would like to commend the resilience and adaptability of our members and businesses in the county as they navigated through the challenges of Covid-19 and Government restrictions. The recent announcement lifting the restrictions is of particular relief to the hospitality, arts and live entertainment sectors who have been most impacted throughout the pandemic.”
Certain public health measures will continue to be in place, including rules on self-isolation and close contacts, which are to be reviewed again before the end of February. Digital Covid Certificates for international travel will still be required for those travelling from Ireland. Mask wearing rules will also continue on public transport and other settings. These rules will be reviewed on the 28 February.
Caroline added:
“Whilst the drop in ICU and hospital numbers, as well as a drop in case numbers, has signalled an end to the restrictions, we must not be complacent, with continued mask wearing and hand washing being crucial to continue reducing the number of cases and to protect ourselves and those around us. We would hope that 2022 continues in a positive trajectory as we emerge from the pandemic.”
“Despite the lifting of restrictions and a return to normality, it is important that Government continues to support businesses in the most vulnerable sectors that have been most impacted as a result of the pandemic. We cannot be in a position where these businesses face a cliff edge situation.”
-ENDS-
