The Government has decided to move the entire country back into Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions, the highest alert level, from Christmas Eve until 12 January 2021.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the three weeks of restrictions on Tuesday afternoon.
It comes in response to rising COVID-19 case numbers and concerns over new, faster-spreading strain of the virus that first emerged in the UK and is now present in Ireland.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, agriculture and associated businesses have been designed an essential services meaning they can continue to operate, subject to certain restrictions.
A number of adjustments to Level 5 restrictions were announced by the Taoiseach and pending new updates relating to agriculture the following will guidance will apply.
Retail
Both essential and non-essential retail will be permitted to operate during the three-week period in a change to previous Level 5 restrictions when only essential retail could open. This will see the majority of agricultural suppliers operating as they have been, though some may revert to a click and collect service.
All retail outlets will be asked to delay any sales events until after 12 January.
Food production has always been considered as essential, meaning meat processing and dairy processing can proceed.
Marts
The majority of marts have now concluded sales for the Christmas period and have closed. There has been no details provided yet as to what trading arrangements will be permitted when they reopen for sales in January.
Under the previous Level 5 restrictions all sales were required to be conducted online. Buyers have only returned to ringsides in recent weeks, subject to strict safety guidelines.
Sellers were allowed drop animals off but could not enter the mart. Buyers could access the lairage by appointment and only before the auction commenced.
The Irish Farmers Journal is awaiting clarity as to what arrangements will be in place for the next three weeks.
Other restrictions
Inter-county travel is to be suspended from St Stephen’s Day, 26 December, expect for people returning to their place of residence. Farmers and anyone providing essential care to animals are allowed travel between counties, but only for essential tasks.
Gastro pubs and restaurants will be asked to close from 3pm on Christmas Eve and there will be new limits on household visits.
Up to and including 26 December visits from up to two other households will be permitted. Up to and including 31 December visits from one other household will be permitted. From 1 January no visitors are permitted in private homes except for essential family reasons.
