Electric.ie January/February 2022

ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 55 Industry News COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery & Reconnecting ർ Government approves additional public health measures to help to respond to the spread of Omicron Variant of COVID-19. ർ Economic and income support schemes to be reviewed in light of these latest restrictions of businesses capacity to operate. F ollowing public health advice, the following measures has been introduced with effect from 20th December until 30th January and will be kept under review in this intervening period. All restaurants, bars and cafes, excluding take-away or delivery services, will close at 8pm. This will also apply to hotel restaurants and bars, except for overnight residents. No indoor events, including entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events, will take place after 8pm in line with the above for the hospitality sector. In relation to events happening earlier in the day, attendance should be limited to 50% of venue capacity or 1,000 attendees, whichever is the lower. This includes cinemas. This does not affect religious, educational or normal workplace business activity and business events e.g. conferences, trade fairs. Attendance at outdoor events, including entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events, should be limited to 50% of venue capacity or 5,000 attendees, whichever is the lower. Wedding receptions can take place with a capacity limit of 100 guests and continue after 8pm. Midnight closing time still applies. The existing restrictions due to expire on 9th January will be extended until 30th January and will be kept under review in the intervening period. Economic and Income Supports While the full range of supports which have so effectively protected businesses and workers throughout the pandemic remain in place for period ahead, including PUP, EWSS, CRSS and rates waiver, relevant schemes will be reviewed in light of these latest restrictions of businesses capacity to operate. There will be further announcements in due course. Working from Home Everyone should continue to work from home unless necessary to attend in person and everyone should plan on the basis that this guidance will apply until 30th January subject to the epidemiological situation at that time. National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition 2021 ർ The event held in the RDS in November covers various topical themes including: Industry 4.0, 3D Printing, Digital Manufacturing, Smart Factory, Lean & Continuous Improvement, Robotics & Automation, Industrial Blockchain, Research & Development, Precision Engineering, Electrical Manufacturing and much more. Several electrical companies took part this year. Paul and Keith Haslam, AP Haslam A busy Mitsubishi Ireland stand Schneider Electric had a mobile exhibition vehicle Full details can be seen at www.gov.ie/recovery