Coronavirus Ireland: Varadkar announces closure of all pubs and bars

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced the measure late Sunday. He also urged people not to go to house parties and to avoid contact with the elderly and other at risk groups if they decided to go out. It comes after the Irish Government launched a series of drastic measures to help curb the spread of coronavirus earlier in the week, including the closure of schools and childcare facilities. 

Announcing the news on Twitter, Mr Varadkar wrote: “Following discussions today with the Licenced Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), the Government is now calling on all public houses and bars (including hotel bars) to close from this evening (Sunday 15th March) until at least 29 March.

“The LVA and VFI outlined the real difficulty in implementing the published Guidelines on Social Distancing in a public house setting, as pubs are specifically designed to promote social interaction in a situation where alcohol reduces personal inhibitions.

“For the same reason, the Government is also calling on all members of the public not to organise or participate in any parties in private houses or other venues which would put other people’s health at risk.”

More to follow…