Businesses across Clare have been reporting steady trade today, as many re-open for the first time in six weeks.
Level three restrictions are due to remain in place from today until at least the start of the new year, with all non-essential retail outlets re-opening their doors, with the exception of pubs that don’t serve food.
But many businesses remain concerned about the future.
Queues formed at some Clare businesses from early this morning, as the country exits level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.
Non-essential retail outlets, cinemas, gyms and hairdressers all opened their doors this morning, having been closed for the last six weeks, while on Friday next, restaurants and pubs serving food can welcome customers back.
Places of worship have also re-opened today, with church services restricted to 50 people at a time, and one person a week will be allowed to visit a Nursing Home resident.
But we’re being asked to continuing working from home and not to mix with other households, with a recommendation in place to wear a face mask outdoors on busy streets.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says it’s vital that people behave responsibly and is urging people to limit their contacts as much as possible over the next few weeks.
Throughout lockdown two, there were calls for gyms to be left open for the benefit of people’s mental health.
Manager of the Health and Leisure Centre at Treacy’s West County Hotel, Mark O’Donoghue says they’re now open safely, with booking systems and social distancing in place, amongst other measures.
He is hopeful that these measures can allow them stay open from this point into the future.
Hairdressers are expecting to remain busy over the coming weeks, but one business owner says they’re already having to make decisions on curtailing services after Christmas, due to an expected lack of demand.
Bridget Haren of Bridget Haren Hair And Beauty in Ennis says the cancellation of many weddings has had a big impact on their trade.
Each household is expected to spend around 700 euro over Christmas which is a reduction on previous years.
But, with expectations that tougher restrictions may need to be reimposed again in January if cases rise over the festive period, concern has been raised about whether businesses in this county can afford another lockdown.
Deputy Chair of Retail Excellence Ireland and owner of Willow boutique in Ennis, Jean McCabe says retailers are only looking to get through this month before looking to the future.
