It feels like a merry go round – but certainly not a pleasurable one. The measures recommended by NPHET yesterday come as little surprise but still, a stark reminder of where we are. The measures suggested include limits to be placed on household gatherings, and further restrictions on the hospitality sector.

As NPHET met yesterday, Dr Tony Holohan issued a statement in which he stated that while recent progress reducing Covid-19 transmission was “very welcome”, the level of disease in the community was “still a concern”.

It appears that concern over the figures has led NPHET to recommend the reduction of socialising in the run-up to Christmas including limiting household gatherings to the host family and a maximum of three other households. Last night a letter was sent to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly which recommends a maximum of six people at a table in bars and restaurants, the closure of nightclubs and limits on households mixing until January 9th. According to one article in The Irish Times “It is a lockdown, without saying it’s a lockdown”.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has just announced that the further limitations on hospitality which are being implemented from Tuesday December 7th until Sunday January 9th include table service only in restaurants and bars; multiple table bookings being discontinued and the number of people allowed at any one table being limited to six people, with closing time remaining at midnight. 

Restrictions on households mixing over the Christmas period will be reduced to three extra households visiting the host household meaning four households maximum can gather together at one time. The use of Covid certs has been extended to include gyms and hotel bars and restaurants. 

According to Paul Cadden, owner of Saba in Dublin and Kildare Village, “In light of the changes in restrictions, we obviously will follow all the health guidelines, as we have done from the very start. Not having large Christmas parties is hugely disappointing, however we trust the Government will reintroduce supports to assist our employees and get our industry through another period of restrictions. Come what may, we love Christmas and look forward to welcoming all our guests to Saba this festive season.”

Ho ho ho.