Under Level Five all non-essential businesses would close (stock image)A return to a full lockdown will cost the Government up to €250m a week, according to estimates from economists. This is only looking at the direct cost to the Government in terms of social welfare payments. It does not take into account costs that impacted businesses will continue to incur such as rent and electricity. Under Level five, people would be asked to stay at home and all businesses other than those deemed essential would close. The recommendation from Nphet comes just over a week out from the announcement of Budget 2021.

Source: Irish Independent October 05, 2020 10:20 UTC