No short cuts: Hairdressers and essential retail in Kilkenny to remain shut until May
In a blow to Kilkenny businesses, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar today said it is unlikely non-essential retail will re-open before late April or early May at the earliest.
Construction, limited outdoor gatherings, sports team training and the easing of the 5km travel restriction could happen in early April, the Enterprise Minister confirmed.
The Tánaiste said the Government still plans to have 80% of all people over the age of 16 vaccinated by the end of June, even taking into account the issues surrounding delivery.
Speaking on Newstalk, Mr Varadkar confirmed there will be a slow reopening of the country to try and avoid another wave of Covid-19 as happened in January and February after easing of restrictions last December.
The Tánaiste said: “The kind of things we are considering for April 5, and we are just considering, they are quite limited – the relaxation of the 5km rule, allowing more outdoor activities, also things like construction being allowed to go back.
“When it comes to the re-opening of shops, hospitality, that wouldn’t be happening on April 5, that would be a later date. More likely early May.
“It will be outdoor things before indoor things, and things like shops and personal services, like a hairdresser, before (we open) hospitality.
“The priority at the moment and every parent will understand this is to get schools opened and childcare open and we don’t want to do anything to jeopardise that,” Mr Varadkar added.
