Business owners have been left to decide for themselves.

With large gatherings prohibited, but no further specifics issued by the government in relation to shutting bars and restaurants as parts of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, in Cork, management at the city’s eateries and pubs have been left with a tough call.

The HSE revealed that 39 new cases of coronavirus were recorded in the Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening, bringing the total number of cases nationally to 129.

Now the Taoiseach has said he is exploring enforcement powers after a video shared widely on social media over the weekend showed a singsong taking place in a packed pub in Temple Bar.

No indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people applies to pubs & clubs. Have asked NPHET for further expert guidance on this. May seek enforcement powers from Dail/Seanad.

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 15, 2020

Health Minister Simon Harris described the open flouting of the government advice as an “insult” to the many doctors and nurses battling the coronavirus outbreak in Irish hospitals.

Back in the city, here are the businesses that are closed for now:

**SUNDAY UPDATE**: These businesses have also taken the decision to close: Cask, MacCurtain Street, St Luke’s Inn, The Castle Inn, Tom Barry’s, Pigalle, The Bookshelf, The White Horse, Ballincollig, Clancy’s, Scannells Bar, Clonakilty, The Woolshed Baa & Grill, The Mardyke Bowl, Holy Smoke Restaurant, Barcadia Arcade, The Cellar Theatre, Miyazaki, Three Fools Coffee, Sonny’s Deli, Idaho, Jacques, Ryan’s Bar, North Main Street, The Long Valley, Brú Bar, Brick Lane, Impala, Dwyer’s of Cork, The Raven, The Roundy, The Bowery/TipTop/Mason, Tradehouse Central, Ballincollig, The Supper Club, Kinsale, O’Sullivan’s Bar Douglas.

CHORAL FESTIVAL CANCELLED

The board of the Cork International Choral Festival has announced the cancellation of this year’s Festival. More than 5,000 choir members who would have been participating, 800 of whom were travelling from abroad.

HERITAGE PUBS

Publican Benny McCabe has joined other pub owners in shutting the doors of his 15 Cork bars. The Vicarstown, Rising Sons Brewery, The Poor Relation, The Bodega, El Fenix, The Mutton Lane, BDSM, The Oval, Crane Lane Theatre and Sin É will all close until the end of the month.

“Tonight will be our last night serving pints across Cork Heritage Pubs until the end of March,” said Mr McCabe on Facebook.

“We have worked on building this business over the last 25 years with the custom and support of the people of Cork and now is the time for solidarity across the city and wider regions with our healthcare workers and emergency services.

“Cork is a great city and we look forward to bringing you a couple of new venues and a new brewery over the next 12 months, better days are always ahead and I’d like to thank my family and partners and staff for everything to date, I know a lot are looking forward to the break in one way so they can focus on family etc.

“Whether you are in business or worried about rent then contact your bank or landlord and of course suppliers and they will work with you and that’s a great comfort to all,”

DEEP SOUTH

The Grand Parade bar and beer garden just announced its decision to shut the doors:

“Amidst fears of further spreading of COVID_19, we regret to announce that we are closing from today and postponing all St. Patricks Weekend celebrations until further notice.” reads a statement on Facebook.

“We would like to wish all our friends and customers a safe and happy St. Patrick’s day, however, you choose to celebrate. You can still reach us at Hello@deepsouth.ie if you have any questions or enquiries. Stay safe and we hope to see you all very soon.”

ELECTRIC

Posting on Facebook, Electric owner Ernest Cantillon posted: “Friends. It’s reached the tipping point where we feel it’s not fair to ask our team to keep the show on the road. It’s Netflix and beans on toast for us for a few weeks and see you all on the other side.”

THE LIBERTY GRILL, WASHINGTON STREET

Management at The Liberty Grill has decided to close the busy restaurant until further notice.

We have to decided after discussion with the staff to take a break for a couple weeks for staff & our customer’s physical & mental well-being.

We will be back as soon as we can.

Love & best wishes

Liberty Grill

— Liberty Grill (@libertygrill) March 12, 2020

GOOD DAY DELI

Both Nano Nagle Place and Good Day Deli are closed until March 29th, 2020.

In line with Government + HSE recommendations, @NanoNaglePlace + @GoodDayDeli are closed until Sunday 29 March.

We wish all of our gorgeous guests the best + look forward to welcoming you back to @GoodDayDeli soon 💚🌿🌱 pic.twitter.com/usnkuwzBCP

— Good Day Deli (@GoodDayDeli) March 12, 2020

ST PETER’S, NORTH MAIN STREET

In line with the City Council’s decision to close all public buildings, St Peter’s on North Main Street will remain closed until further notice

THE TRISKEL ARTS CENTRE

All shows at the Triskel have been cancelled until further notice.

“One thing to clarify is that while cinema screenings are cancelled, any concerts originally scheduled for this period are deferred to later dates – tbd when things are more stable.” said management in a Tweet.

Due to measures announced earlier by the Government of Ireland, Triskel Arts Centre will close from 6pm until Mon 30 March at 9am. All shows during this period are cancelled & tickets will be refunded. We will contact those affected & will process refunds on our return. Stay safe pic.twitter.com/bsC7RLU1MD

— Triskel Arts Centre (@TriskelCork) March 12, 2020

LAB 82, LOWER GLANMIRE ROAD

Posting their decision to close temporarily on Twitter, Glanmire Road cafe Lab 82 told customers that it is respecting the decision of its staff:

“In light of the most recent Government advice regarding #COVID19, we will be closing today to make sure that all our Team Members are briefed on procedures on how to keep themselves and customers safe.”

In light of the most recent Government advice regarding #COVID19, we will be closing today to make sure that all our Team Members are briefed on procedures on how to keep themselves and costumers safe. #Lab82 #Lab82Coffee #CorkCity

— Lab 82 Coffee & Espresso Bar (@Lab82Coffee) March 14, 2020

REARDENS, WASHINGTON STREET

In accordance with the new directives issued by the Government and State health authorities, Reardens is closed until March 29th.

The pub asked customers to “Stay safe. Remain calm. Help one another if you can. Look out for the ones closest to you.”

CHAMBERS, WASHINGTON STREET

Chambers Bar has closed the doors until March 29th.

VOODOO ROOMS, OLIVER PLUNKETT STREET

A statement from the management reads: “Unfortunately we will be closed until further notice in accordance with the government directive on the coronavirus. Apologies for the inconvenience. This is obviously a rapidly evolving situation and we will post updates on our social media platforms in due course. Stay safe everyone!”

THE OLIVER PLUNKETT

pic.twitter.com/q0h4ysLi4q

— The Oliver Plunkett (@TheOliverPlunk) March 12, 2020