THE POLICE Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) issued over 100 fines for breaches of coronavirus measures over the Easter Weekend.
In just three days, officers in Northern Ireland handed out 107 fines when people were discovered to be holding house parties and barbecues, and allowing children to play at friend's houses.
While PSNI officers said that most people were complying with the restrictions introduced to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus, there had been a number of large house parties reported, many with over a dozen people and others which were even larger, according to RTÉ.
Assistant chief constable Alan Todd said that enforcing the rules were a last resort, saying "we engage with people, it is only when people won't take the encouragement we end up having to enforce the matter".
There had been concerns that people would be tempted to breach social distancing measures ahead of the Easter Weekend, as temperatures across Ireland and the United Kingdom were predicted to soar to the mid-twenties in some areas.
Last week, the PSNI set up a website where citizens could report "a gathering of people in breach of social distancing requirements, a person repeatedly travelling for non-essential purposes or a bar or licensed premises remaining open".
107 people were fined for breaching social distancing measures in just three days (PSNI / stock)By Friday, 10 April, ACC Todd confirmed the PSNI had received 906 complaints of restrictions not being adhered to.
Speaking at the launch of the website, he said:
“My message to everyone is that we all have a personal responsibility to follow the regulations and to do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, protect the Health Service and save lives.
"We also have an opportunity to follow the approach of our officers. Engage those in your household, Explain the importance of the restrictions and Encourage everyone to follow them.
“We all have a part to play and make a difference.”
There are 1,882 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland, with 118 people having passed away after contracting the virus.
In the Republic, the total number of confirmed cases has surpassed 10,600.
