Living with Level 5: ‘It is so disheartening but we have to do this, failure is not an option’

Business owners left reeling ahead of closing their doors for six weeks in bid to curb spiraling Covid-19 figures

As Meath braces itself for another six weeks of lockdown, local retailers face the harsh reality of closing their doors again in the busy pre-Christmas period.

Worried retailers and service providers are facing an uncertain future as workers across the county will be laid off for the second time this year.

Many local traders are philosophical about the latest round of Covid-19 restrictions and have vowed to get through the lockdown and rebuild their businesses.

“Failure is not an option” is the motto of Fiona Hanley who runs Belle Marie Bridal and the Cheveu Belle hair salon in Athboy.

“It is so disheartening. Both my businesses are gone from tomorrow night, but we are in it for the long haul, people will still get married next year and we look forward to the future.”

Fiona says she is extremely busy with alterations as they try to get as many jobs as possible done, before they close.

“It is hard to have to close again, after the last lockdown. This was a very safe environment. We took all the precautions and we had no cases of the virus. I have been in business 28 years and I have never experienced anything so challenging.”

Navan's Jack Kiernan says the new lockdown restrictions are heart-breaking. “It is very disappointing that we have to close again, particularly at our busiest time of year.”

However, he says he genuinely believes that if people do what they are asked to do, they will be able to open in time for Christmas.

Sisters Mary Groome and Liz Lenihan who run the Park Avenue Gift Shop in Johnstown Shopping Centre describe the restrictions as a major blow, but they have come up with a unique idea to try and keep business ticking over in the next few weeks.

They are selling a Butterfly Box for cocooners that be ordered online and sent to a loved one to cheer them up in these difficult times. “The boxes can have candles, mugs, inspirational books, hand cream or other little gifts,” Mary explains. “We did this during the last lockdown and we intend to continue with it.”

Navan Shopping Centre could have 28 units open or operating takeaways or click and collect in the coming weeks.

Manager, Pat Mullaney says they will have 16 essential shops open and seven others operating click and collect, while their food outlets will be providing a takeaway service.

He describes the lockdown as “horrendous" - a huge blow at this time of year. “It is going to be challenging in the jaws of Christmas, but we have to do it. We'll get through it. We look forward to our customers coming back and serving them.”

Lyndsey Barnwall (35), owns the LBF Fitness Studio in Navan running fitness classes will close her Kennedy Road based studio on Wednesday evening with more than a heavy heart.

"I'm actually shocked that we have been closed. Call me naive but I genuinely thought we would be classed as an essential service.

"On no reports have we seen gym-related covid cases, let alone any clusters. We, like so many other businesses, have followed the guidelines and are now the ones forced to close. Do you know who doesn't? The GAA. I firmly believe the GAA have a lot to answer for with regards to the massive jump in cases. Check out our hotspots...then see who was in the county finals.

"No teams had restrictions in place to stop the teams drinking in groups from their respective winning cups.

"The Irish Hairdressing Federation stood up for their own industry as a whole the first time we closed but there's no body like that for the fitness industry so we have to just take it lying down. “We're told it's fine 'you will get the Covid payment' but it's not about that. People depend on the gym and classes to keep their sanity and it's been taken from them.”

Maureen Callaghan of Ebony Boutique in Trim is philosophical about closing. “It is very tough. We had all the procedures in place and we were a safe place to go into, but what can we do – it is for the greater good,” she says.

“It is awful to have to close again. We will be showcasing our stock on Facebook, but in general people need to come in and try on clothes. When we go back in November there will only be a couple of weeks before it is time for sales and that isn't sustainable for a small business like us.”

Antonia Daly of Antonia's Bookshop in Trim said it was scary to think of closing for six weeks at the busiest time of the year. “It is disappointing as we have done so much and put in so many extra measures to keep people safe.

“We will be using our website and social media and thankfully the government has stated that click and collect is allowed so we will be operating that, as well as offering free deliveries in Trim and we will post to anywhere in the country.”

County Meath Chamber call on Government to ensure rapid delivery of supports for businesses impacted by this new wave of restrictions. Government must also ensure these restrictions serve their purpose in reducing spread of Covid-19.

“This time must be used wisely over the coming weeks to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to support local economies to re-open safely and avoid succumbing to new closures into the new year.”