Last night was the first Saturday night of Ireland's Phase 3 reopening, which included the opening of pubs operating as restaurants and with strict social distancing guidelines.
Anecdotal evidence all week suggest there have been both strict adhering to the rules in some premises and others being so lenient that "lax" wouldn't even be a fair word to use. While there have been reports all around the country of the flouting of regulations and social distancing, scenes from Dublin city centre last night have particularly struck a chord with many people, with packed crowds gathering.
The Dame Lane area of Dublin was particularly worrying to many, with shots taken of packed crowds, no social distancing and the wearing of masks non existent.
Gardai walking around the streets in Dublin City Centre to make sure pubs are not breaking the guidelines on social distancing, serving food or time limits etc
Yet this is allowed on Dame Lane..... pic.twitter.com/4inEgsY2Rm— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) July 4, 2020
Oh hey Dublin! Cop the f on! Tonight at 9.30, just one of many jammers streets. pic.twitter.com/h4iWVshbqt
— Gaillot et Gray (@gg_pizza) July 4, 2020
This was Dame Lane area about 7pm,friends sent me the pic. Looks like a street party,mix of people from bars & just hanging out it seems. Then u need to go to the loo...maybe the rainy weekend will quieten things down 🤷🏻♀️ pic.twitter.com/KnTNeT7S01
— Anita Lawler (@loolalawler) July 4, 2020
While Covid-19 cases remain low in Ireland, the virus has not gone away. There were 11 cases cofirmed yesterday, along with one death, while the weekly average of cases has crept up in the last week. There is concern that many have decided enough is enough and refuse to sacrifice anymore, something that many social media users are furious at.
Was in Dublin today and there was zero social distancing, drinking on the streets in crowds and very few wearing masks.
A virus doesn’t just get up and leave...people need a bit more cop on.— George Hutton (@ghuttonmusic) July 4, 2020
Walked through town. Every pub I passed had a crowd. Not too many 9 euro dinners on the go either.
When the shit show returns, remember IBEC and the alcohol lobby pushed for this.— Mark Malone (@soundmigration) June 29, 2020
Many were also offended as. or on behalf of, front line workers during the Covid crisis to see so few precautions been taken.
Very disheartening to see some scenes of Dublin city last night. No social distancing, no masks. Covid 19 is still very much evident, but will be more apparent in 2 weeks time after videos like this 😥 @ConnollyNursing https://t.co/KZQQFBbc8u
— Lisa Donaghy (@LisaDonaghy1) July 5, 2020
Words can not truely express how furious I feel seeing those pubs in Dublin & in the UK last night.
As a key worker who has had so many difficult conversations with vulnerable people for months, it's going to get a lot worse. Hope those pints were worth it you shower of pricks.— Brian Burke (@burky126) July 5, 2020
My heart breaks for every single frontline worker who put themselves at risk, worked tirelessly, slept in cars so they didn't infect their family; retail staff who worked xmas level effort nonstop for weeks; this is beyond selfish & infuriating https://t.co/x6fp6JxgkC
— Julie Sweeney (@mssweeneyhomeec) July 5, 2020
Meanwhile, in the UK, Boris Johnson's Super Saturday ended up with London looking like this.
Update: 10:15pm. 🤦♂️pic.twitter.com/v5IsqV9lsQ
— Andrew Keates (@andrewkeates) July 4, 2020
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