The request to close all pubs, including hotel bars, came as health officials said there were 40 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic, the highest daily total since the State’s first case was confirmed on February 29th. Some 25 of the new cases were in the east of the country, nine in the west and six in the south. The Government said the closures were “an essential public health measure given the reports of reckless behaviour by some members of the public in certain pubs”. There is very clear public health advice. We are doing it in the long-term interest of public health, of our staff and our customers.” He warned pubs that do not close would suffer “irreparable damage”.

Source: The Irish Times March 15, 2020 21:10 UTC