New COVID-19 restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the Omicron variant have come into force in Ireland. The measures, agreed by the cabinet on Friday, were introduced at midnight on Sunday and will last until Jan. 30. All restaurants and bars, excluding takeaways and delivery services, must now close at 8 p.m., and there are limits on attendance at indoor and outdoor events scheduled for earlier in the day. Restricted movement advice for all close contacts of COVID-19 cases has also been enhanced. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the new measures were necessary because of the rise in infections caused by Omicron. He said: “Left unchecked, this new strain will represent a very significant threat to hospitals and critical care, but also a threat to all of society and the economy.” But hospitality groups have warned that the restrictions will lead to widespread closures and redundancies in the sector. Padraig …