Cabinet Ministers will make a final decision on how to re-open the country this afternoon.
It’s expected much of the economy will be allowed to open next week but a ban on household visits will remain in place longer.
Tuesday next week now looks like re-opening day for retail, hairdressers, barbers and gyms among other industries.
Cabinet Ministers are set to give approval for restaurants and gastropubs to re-open as well and while some Ministers are pushing for that to happen from the 4th of December it will more likely be Monday the 7th.
But there will be changes including a reduced amount of time you can spend in one and the amount of people at a table.
While people will be allowed to travel within their county from next week inter-county travel will remain restricted.
It’s expected the ban on household visits will also remain in place until December 18th – the Friday before Christmas.
Ministers will meet from around 2pm this afternoon to finalise the details, with a full announcement expected around 6 o’clock.
Meanwhile, as businesses await confirmation on the easing of restrictions, Clare shoppers are being urged to support local companies so that they can weather the covid storm.
Black Friday sales are expected to be considerably lower this year, though Irish companies hope to receive a bigger slice of the pie.
Traditionally around one billion euro is generated over the course of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend.
But Retail Excellence isn’t expecting sales figures to be as strong this year, with predictions that only around 5- or 600 million euro will be brought in by Irish businesses.
Managing Director Duncan Graham says it’s inevitable that people will buy from overseas, but he’s expecting local companies to see a much-needed boost in revenue.
It comes as business owners across Clare and beyond are waiting anxiously for details on the easing of restrictions from next week.
It’s expected the country will move to a form of level three restrictions in tiered stages, with all retail the first to open from next week.
Concern has emerged in some quarters the opening up of society will allow the virus to flourish, but but one Ennis businessman has expressed confidence that people will abide by the rules when shopping.
Owner of Craftworks on Parnell Street Martin Waldron says retailers are heavily reliant on December trade and he hopes people will remain sensible.
Restaurants and gastro pubs are set to open next month, despite NPHET advice, however, there’s likely to be a further wait for the hospitality sector.
The CEO of Ennis Chamber has expressed hope that the hospitality sector can benefit from the expected surge in business.
Margaret O Brien says it continues to be a particularly tough time for those businesses.
