Cavan's bars begin taking measures into their own hands

A number of pubs across the county have closed their doors as the COVID19 emergency intensifies. Smiths in Cootehill has confirmed to The Anglo-Celt that they will close for a fortnight, while the Slieve Rossa in Cavan Town took to social media to announce the same, in the interest of health and safety. The Abbey Bar and the Imperial Niteclub have also closed.
The Government is to meet with the Vintners Federation today to discuss approaches to mitigating the risks. There's unconfirmed reports that bar proprietors will be forced to close from tomorrow, ahead of St Patrick's Day. 
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar this morning tweeted confirmation that the ban on indoor gatherings of more than 100 people applies to pubs and clubs and "May seek enforcement powers from Dáil/Seanad." 
The Anglo-Celt is aware of rumours circulating of cases of people testing positively for COVID19 in County Cavan, however the authorities do not provide specific details of locations.
So far the National Public Health Emergency Team has only confirmed that there are three cases reported in the Northwest in the latest daily statement. Of the 129 confirmed cases nationwide, 59 were confirmed on Friday and Saturday.
Beyond bars, other businesses have taken the precaution of closing. Cavan Town's One Hour Photo have closed; while Lynch's shop and deli in Killydoon will continue to be in operation but from behind closed doors. Numerous restaurants too, such as the Olde Post Inn are offering a delivery service.

Cavan General and Monaghan Hospital began enforcing strict 'no visiting' rules yesterday.