Galway COVID-19, local news and discussion

inisboffin

Wompa1 wrote: »

The US released a guideline for states around re-opening. Pubs are one of the things explicitly not allowed to open in the first couple of phases. When they do re-open it's with limited capacity and social distancing applying.

Mass gatherings and pubs should probably be a hard no until there's a vaccine or enough anti-body testing and temp checks to show there's very little threat.

I'd be taking US guidelines with a massive grain of salt. The scale between the compliance/reaction of various states is huge. I really feel scared for some friends there.

I wonder if restaurants will become the new pubs? If restaurants are allowed open sooner, will alcohol be allowed? We might actually turn into 'proper' Europeans yet and have more food with our booze

Whereisgalway

inisboffin wrote: »

I'd be taking US guidelines with a massive grain of salt. The scale between the compliance/reaction of various states is huge. I really feel scared for some friends there.

I wonder if restaurants will become the new pubs? If restaurants are allowed open sooner, will alcohol be allowed? We might actually turn into 'proper' Europeans yet and have more food with our booze

Must be just the cultural shift we need

inisboffin

Whereisgalway wrote: »

Must be just the cultural shift we need

Oh what I'd give for a dinner with friends. A bit of pasta and a glass of wine. I like a pint of Guinness in a pub with tunes but either sounds like heaven right now.

Mrs OBumble

I reckon that when the businesses that we know as "pubs" do reopen, you'll have to book a table for a fixed timslot, and provide your contact details (in case contact tracing is required). Table service only, tables will need to be 2+m spaced. At first, you can only book with people from your own bubble. Orders placed by app only, and delivered to your table. Maximum booking time 1 hour - and no toilets provided, you need to pee, you need to go home.

Imagine the price of a pint needed to sustain that business model!

_Whimsical_

Saige Sparse Storyteller wrote: »

I have not heard of this happening. If anyone genuinely cannot travel arrangements can be made to be tested at home.

I just wondered if you know this for a fact?
I know someone with no transport concerned atm.

Seems strange to have gotten rid of the city centre venue considering it's so much easier to get to.
Also very hard to know if getting rid of it is wise at this point. In the last few weeks we have tested only a limited section of society. As testing capability increase to encompass more people and as measures are relaxed you'd imagine we'll need more testing, not less.

I've heard quite a few people mentioning that their kids are going out playing with other kids in estates now with a "you can't keep them in forever" talk. I think people are getting more lax about the whole thing now.

45mhrc7evo1d3n

Saige Sparse Storyteller wrote: »

If anyone genuinely cannot travel arrangements can be made to be tested at home.

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

I just wondered if you know this for a fact?
I know someone with no transport concerned atm.

Yes, it is a fact. Having said that, testing protocols are changing by the day. But I'd be surprised if the mobile service was discontinued as not everyone is able to travel, especially elderly people living alone. Of course, anybody who feels very unwell should not hesitate to call an ambulance which will take them to hospital.

Whereisgalway

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I reckon that when the businesses that we know as "pubs" do reopen, you'll have to book a table for a fixed timslot, and provide your contact details (in case contact tracing is required). Table service only, tables will need to be 2+m spaced. At first, you can only book with people from your own bubble. Orders placed by app only, and delivered to your table. Maximum booking time 1 hour - and no toilets provided, you need to pee, you need to go home.

Imagine the price of a pint needed to sustain that business model!

You can buy me a pint when this is all over

Blondie919

Some hopeful news here coming from NUIG, taken from GalwayDaily on FB

https://galwaydaily.com/news/nuig-developed-wipes-that-can-trap-viruses-delivered-to-frontline-services/?fbclid=IwAR0ur0Anyl685Dcp8NoblEm-ZpQ8WhagSZlMaY_stcP3OdaC3drCINY41_0

biko

https://www.galwaycity.ie/stay-at-home-resources

Storm 10

I reckon pubs with outside beer gardens will have no bother

Laviski

Storm 10 wrote: »

I reckon pubs with outside beer gardens will have no bother

not going to happen, majority of pubs have too many bottleneck/choke points. people can't keep 1 meter never mind 2 apart.

Also if a select few have the privilege of being open, i'm sure others not selected would be outraged. Lots of pubs have "beer garden's", so i ask what constitutes as a beer garden, what would be the criteria? Who would set such criteria......

As a side note within galway city center area, i think of one one place is a proper beer garden and thats Jury's Inn. Other's are just makeshift (some done really very well i might add) just to abide the smoking ban to get the punters in.

Laviski

Laviski wrote: »

not going to happen, majority of pubs have too many bottleneck/choke points. people can't keep 1 meter never mind 2 apart.

Also if a select few have the privilege of being open, i'm sure others not selected would be outraged. Lots of pubs have "beer garden's", so i ask what constitutes as a beer garden, what would be the criteria? Who would set such criteria......

As a side note within galway city center area, i think of one one place is a proper beer garden and thats Jury's Inn. Other's are just makeshift (some done really very well i might add) just to abide the smoking ban to get the punters in.

Carroll’s on Dominic have the best beer garden in the city.

While I’m as behind these restrictions as much as anyone as can be seen from my other posts and I can’t see much opening in the coming few months I also believe things like pubs will open much sooner than others appear to think.

Once restrictions start to ease and once things continue with a gradual opening up pubs will thankfully be soon to follow as man are they missed.

FishOnABike

I can't see any pubs reopening until some time after venues like cinemas, theatre, concerts with pre-booked , assigned seating have been opened and seen to have been opened for some time without impacting public health.

I think venues, like pubs, with the potential for significant numbers of untraceable contacts will be among the last venues to open.

JoeA3

All the indications from the drip feed that the government are “leaking” to the media suggests that a certain amount of restrictions will be eased from May 5th. Primarily - construction and the businesses required to support them (hardware, builders providers, etc). Also talk of schools perhaps doing 1-2 days per week. It’s good that they’re at least talking about a plan of easing restrictions anyway, some positivity at last.

However, anything that involves large congested gatherings is not going to happen any time soon and realistically that includes just about every pub in Ireland.

That said a few weeks is a very long time in this crisis. This only kicked off for us here 5-6 weeks ago. Who knows where we will be with it by August/September.

Fitz*

I originally was thinking that pubs might have a restriction on people per sq metre at the start or something. For example, 100 people in the Skeff is different to 100 people in Barr na Chaladh.

But then I changed to thinking it will probably have to be a blanket rule for all, as it would be unfair on some small pubs that the big sized pubs are able to get all of the business. 0 for all, or 100 for all at the start anyways.

Whereisgalway

FitzShane wrote: »

I originally was thinking that pubs might have a restriction on people per sq metre at the start or something. For example, 100 people in the Skeff is different to 100 people in Barr na Chaladh.

But then I changed to thinking it will probably have to be a blanket rule for all, as it would be unfair on some small pubs that the big sized pubs are able to get all of the business. 0 for all, or 100 for all at the start anyways.

Hopefully the IVF and other lobby groups do the right and not greedy thing

grbear

I'd imagine pubs and restaurants will only be let reopen once they've been given the once over by the HSE or some other body and are assigned a maximum customer count. Table service only is a possibility as well.


Might be a good time to pick up a few stools on the cheap as the pubs won't be able to use as many.

biko

Galway Chamber calls for abolition of commercial rates for businesses closed by Covid-19

https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/galway-chamber-calls-for-abolition-of-commercial-rates-for-businesses-closed-by-covid-19/

Whereisgalway

biko wrote: »

Galway Chamber calls for abolition of commercial rates for businesses closed by Covid-19

https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/galway-chamber-calls-for-abolition-of-commercial-rates-for-businesses-closed-by-covid-19/

Common sense

flazio

grbear wrote: »

I'd imagine pubs and restaurants will only be let reopen once they've been given the once over by the HSE or some other body and are assigned a maximum customer count. Table service only is a possibility as well.


Might be a good time to pick up a few stools on the cheap as the pubs won't be able to use as many.

Pubs might well need to introduce a restaurant style table reservation system in order to open again.
I've seen a good analogy shared on Facebook which goes along the lines that the moment the parachute begins to control your descent is not the time to take the parachute off.

Mrs OBumble

FitzShane wrote: »

I originally was thinking that pubs might have a restriction on people per sq metre at the start or something. For example, 100 people in the Skeff is different to 100 people in Barr na Chaladh.

But then I changed to thinking it will probably have to be a blanket rule for all, as it would be unfair on some small pubs that the big sized pubs are able to get all of the business. 0 for all, or 100 for all at the start anyways.

I don't think that fairness is required: Barr na Chaladh was one of the very last to close his doors on the last Sunday. There are other pubs where owners are immuno-compromised - if we wait for it to be safe for them, it will be forever.

But toilets are likely to be the limiting factor pretty much everywhere.

Whereisgalway

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I don't think that fairness is required: Barr na Chaladh was one of the very last to close his doors on the last Sunday. There are other pubs where owners are immuno-compromised - if we wait for it to be safe for them, it will be forever..

There was no requirement to close any pub until midnight 15/3 which Barr n Chaladh complied

So what if we have to wait til forever until ya buy me a drink. I’m worth the wait ;-)

_Whimsical_

Simon Harris the minister for health has said today that he doesn't forsee pubs opening until there's a vaccine. The headline of the article just says I cant see people in packed pubs but in the body of the article he says he doesn't believe they'll open until we have a vaccine.

It's behind a paywall unfortunately.

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/simon-harris-i-cant-see-people-in-packed-pubs-again-as-long-as-this-virus-is-with-us-39139011.html

_Whimsical_

Hardware stores are not allowed open to the public now, it has been clarified today. They can do online delivery and open for serious emergencies like a burst pipe.

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/government-now-insists-hardware-stores-cannot-open-to-the-public-39139654.html

The Department issued a clarifying statement on Saturday night, saying: “Hardware and other stores shouldn’t be open to the general public.

“Such outlets are not to open except on the emergency and/or delivery basis as set out in the updated retail services list. That list is unchanged.”

Speaking to RTɒs This Week programme on Sunday, Ms Humphreys outlined the circumstances under which hardware stores can currently operate.

“It's not the case that hardware stores should be open to the general public, but if you need something as an emergency, for example, if you have a burst pipe in your house, or if there's a hole in your roof and the rain is coming in, or the fridge gives up.

“Obviously, in emergency cases like that, you and your tradesman are going to need to be able to access certain materials from the hardware shops to fix the problem.

“So I want to stress in cases like that, it should be done by delivery or on an emergency call up basis. So basically if there's an emergency or you need to get something the hardware stores can provide that to you.”

_Whimsical_

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Simon Harris the minister for health has said today that he doesn't forsee pubs opening until there's a vaccine. The headline of the article just says I cant see people in packed pubs but in the body of the article he says he doesn't believe they'll open until we have a vaccine.

It's behind a paywall unfortunately.

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/simon-harris-i-cant-see-people-in-packed-pubs-again-as-long-as-this-virus-is-with-us-39139011.html

I read the article this morning and in it says that he said “pubs are unlikely to reopen to maximum capacity”. Which to mean doesn’t rule out some sort of reopening.

biko

Whimsical, I moved your post here from the "Looking" thread as it's news connected to covid.

Discodog

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Hardware stores are not allowed open to the public now, it has been clarified today. They can do online delivery and open for serious emergencies like a burst pipe.

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/government-now-insists-hardware-stores-cannot-open-to-the-public-39139654.html

Just to be clear on this. They are allowed to open but advised not to. The Act says they can, the government say they shouldn't. No hardware store can be prosecuted for opening. The government are making a mess of this by going against what's written in the law & the law always takes precedence.

SCHEDULE 1
Regulation 3
ESSENTIAL RETAIL OUTLETS

1. Outlets selling food or beverages on a takeaway basis, or newspapers, whether on a retail or wholesale basis and whether in a non-specialised or specialised outlet.

2. Outlets selling products necessary for the essential upkeep and functioning of places of residence and businesses, whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

3. Pharmacies, chemists and retailers or wholesalers providing pharmaceuticals or pharmaceutical or dispensing services, whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

4. Outlets selling health, medical or orthopaedic goods in a specialised outlet, whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

5. Fuel service stations and heating fuel providers.

6. Outlets selling essential items for the health and welfare of animals (including animal feed and veterinary medicinal products, pet food, animal bedding and animal supplies), whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

7. Laundries and drycleaners.

8. Banks, post offices and credit unions.

9. Outlets selling safety supplies (including work-wear apparel, footwear and personal protective equipment), whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

10. Hardware outlets, builders’ merchants and outlets that provide, whether on a retail or wholesale basis - (a) hardware products necessary for home and business maintenance, (b) sanitation and farm equipment, or (c) supplies and tools essential for gardening, farming or agriculture purposes.

New Home

Wasn't there a clause that said that they should be open, but for deliveries only?

Discodog

New Home wrote: »

Wasn't there a clause that said that they should be open, but for deliveries only?

Not in the law. The government used a 1947 Act & didn't amend it. They then produced their list of do's & don'ts which in some cases don't match the actual law.

For example they said that garden centres can't open, then were questioned & admitted that legally they could open. The garden centres were asked not to open until after the Bank Holiday. Now they admit that they can legally open but asked them not to.

Yesterday the Taoiseach said that Landscapers shouldn't work but the Law says they can.

shenanagans

Discodog wrote: »

Just to be clear on this. They are allowed to open but advised not to. The Act says they can, the government say they shouldn't. No hardware store can be prosecuted for opening. The government are making a mess of this by going against what's written in the law & the law always takes precedence.

SCHEDULE 1
Regulation 3
ESSENTIAL RETAIL OUTLETS

1. Outlets selling food or beverages on a takeaway basis, or newspapers, whether on a retail or wholesale basis and whether in a non-specialised or specialised outlet.

2. Outlets selling products necessary for the essential upkeep and functioning of places of residence and businesses, whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

3. Pharmacies, chemists and retailers or wholesalers providing pharmaceuticals or pharmaceutical or dispensing services, whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

4. Outlets selling health, medical or orthopaedic goods in a specialised outlet, whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

5. Fuel service stations and heating fuel providers.

6. Outlets selling essential items for the health and welfare of animals (including animal feed and veterinary medicinal products, pet food, animal bedding and animal supplies), whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

7. Laundries and drycleaners.

8. Banks, post offices and credit unions.

9. Outlets selling safety supplies (including work-wear apparel, footwear and personal protective equipment), whether on a retail or wholesale basis.

10. Hardware outlets, builders’ merchants and outlets that provide, whether on a retail or wholesale basis - (a) hardware products necessary for home and business maintenance, (b) sanitation and farm equipment, or (c) supplies and tools essential for gardening, farming or agriculture purposes.

It's the fuel and animal feed that lets many get around the rules.