Tag: lock down

Another Lock Down Looms

In the last post I said that we were in lock down again but it was not quite as strict as the last time. Although accurate at the time things have changed somewhat.

That lock down has been relaxed for a week with cafes, restaurants and bars permitted to open. From 27th November however a more severe lock down is being introduced for two weeks. All non essential retailers will have to close as well as the aforementioned cafes, restaurants and bars.

The business community are not happy, in fact some are livid with the decisions made by the politicians, or perhaps more precisely with the way the politicians are implementing the decisions they have made.

Although I will continue to take images recording the pandemic these are the last I intend to place here unless something momentous happens.

Wash your hands
Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, 25 November 2020: People walk past a sign in Donegall Square North reminding the public to Wash Your Hands

Keep Your Distance
Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, 25 November 2020: Sign on the ground Donegall Square reminding people to Keep Your Distance. A figure is seen walking out of frame

The Garrick
Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, 25 November 2020: A girl walks past tables stacked outside the Garrick Bar, Chichester Street as lock down looms

Lock down, again

We’re back in lock down again. It’s not quite as strict as the last time but lock down all the same. Restrictions on meeting people and visiting other households have been tightened as have restrictions on selling alcohol. Restaurants, bars and coffee shops are permitted to sell only takeaway food. Some have simply closed.

The Coronavirus infection rate, the R rate, is over one as I think it is in most countries in Europe. The news bulletins carry information on rising hospital admissions and more worryingly, sadly some deaths. People are beginning to realise this may go on much longer than was originally expected. Thoughts are turning to Christmas with possible travel restrictions and social distancing preventing family and friends gathering.

These images with the exception of the last one, are from Cathedral Quarter on a Saturday afternoon. Usually a busy time with bars and restaurants crowded with both locals and visitors to the city. There were few people about. A guy with his young son, seeing me taking photographs, stopped to say how strange it felt. Autumn leaves on the outside tables at 2Taps, a usually busy restaurant and bar tell it all without words.

Hill Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Hill Street, Belfast

Duke of York Bar, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Duke of York Bar, Commercial Court, Belfast

Duke of York Bar, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Duke of York Bar, Commercial Court, Belfast

The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland

St. Anne's Square, Belfast, Northern Ireland
St. Anne’s Square, Belfast

2Taps, Wine bar, Belfast
2Taps, Wine bar, Belfast

The Dirty Onion, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Dirty Onion and Yardbird, Belfast

Two girls wearing masks walk past Revolucion de Cuba restaurant, Arthur Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Two girls wearing masks walk past Revolucion de Cuba restaurant, Arthur Street, Belfast