Reacting to an infographic shared by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Galway restaurateur JP McMahon had some sharp words on the matter.
Tweeting an image of a slide that was presented at this week's NPHET briefing, it shows how one couple's weekend away later led to 30 confirmed Covid-19 cases. Describing it as "scaremongering", McMahon called for information showing the knock-on effects of meat plants and house parties to be made available to the public as well.
"Can we see a similar slide for meat plants and house parties? I'm sorry, but this is scaremongering. You telling us we can remain open, but suggesting restaurants and pubs are 'dangerous' places. Restaurant suicide by a thousand cuts."
https://twitter.com/mistereatgalway/status/1311708388867411969
Adding that current guidelines are "killing" restaurants and pubs, the Galway restaurateur has noted a huge drop in bookings this week alone - with people cancelling due to the looming threat of a localised lockdown.
"They're killing us slowly 50% bookings wiped off this week in anticipation of a possible lockdown. Then this graph. What's the point
of a stay & spend scheme? They are telling people not to go out. All the while the off-licences and meat plants grow busier #werenotinthistogether"
Header image via Instagram/Aniar Galway
