The Government insists giving Gardaí new enforcement powers to shut down pubs and house parties breaching Covid-19 restrictions is a priority.
All measures are to remain in effect until September 13th and come as 190 new cases were confirmed across the country yesterday 7 of those in Clare.
New Garda powers to police pubs, restaurants and house parties are being drawn up by government and the Attorney General.
It’s part of new restrictions which will see the elderly asked to limit their contact with others, and people urged to keep indoor social visits to no more than 6 people from 3 households.
People are also being asked to avoid public transport, while opening times for restaurants and pubs serving food have been extended by half an hour to 11:30.
Minister Dara Calleary says it will take time for laws to be framed to give Gardaí the new powers as the Attorney General will have to be consulted over the move.
The HSE insists the restrictions are necessary in light of the rise in cases across the country.
Clare remained Covid-free for five weeks from early June, but Principal Medical Officer for HSE MidWest Dr Ann Hogan is urging people to remember that their own actions can play a significant role in controlling it.
These people in Ennis have been telling Clare FM’s Michael Glynn how they feel about the new restrictions:
