What a difference two weeks has made. Since the last edition of Service Dealer Ireland Donald Trump has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been in and out of hospital. Level 3 restrictions were extended to the rest of the country by the Irish government for three weeks, which began last Wednesday, the 7th of October.

There were mixed reactions to the decision of imposing Level 3 restrictions as they (the government) were strongly advised by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to go to Level 5 restrictions. Going to Level 5 may still very well happen after the three weeks have passed (or perhaps even sooner), it all depends on the number of daily cases that are being reported. The news over the weekend of even higher cases is not looking good. As I said in my last blog, it is very much up to us as individuals to ensure that we comply with the Covid-19 guidelines so that we can keep the number of positive cases down. In our own businesses we must make sure that our customers comply with these guidelines and that protective facilities are in place, such as placing hand sanitising stations at the entrances and proper signage in clear view.

Some of the items at Level 3 restrictions include staying within ones own county, unless it is for work or educational reasons. Organised outdoor gatherings, such as outdoor arts events and training events, can take place but only with gatherings of up to 15 people. I would imagine, from the latter restriction, that demonstration days would be put on hold for the foreseeable future.

I shudder to think what effect another lockdown will have on our economy. With regard to our own industry, some will suffer more than others. If people are restricted to a 2km travel limit, then this will have a detrimental effect on the domestic machinery business as peoples’ movements will be confined, not allowing for the fact that shops selling garden machinery and equipment will probably be forced to close, yet again, as they will be deemed as non essential businesses. The agricultural machinery sector should fare a bit better as farming will still continue, as it is deemed to be essential work, and the need for getting spare parts and equipment serviced will still be there. My big concern is that the movement of goods between countries would be restricted. This would have implications on parts arriving to dealers.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is 2020 budget day. I hope there will be something in the budget to support struggling businesses. There are hints that some sectors, such as pubs, restaurants and the hospitality/tourism industry will get sympathy for state aid. However, I hope that all businesses who are finding it difficult during these times, our own industry included, will get some financial help as well. Time will tell.

The CEMA findings, which you can read in this edition of Service Dealer Ireland, show the impact that Covid-19 has had on tractor registrations around Europe in the first half of 2020. Yet, despite this marked reduction, the CEMA Barometer, taken in September, hints that the general Business Climate Index for the agricultural machinery industry in Europe has continued to improve and has reached pre-Covid-19 levels. Time will tell if tractor registrations in the second half of the year confirm these findings.

In the meantime, I hope you, your family, friends and customers keep safe during these times of worry. With all our co-operation, we will come out of this pandemic.