AN GARDA Síochána have reported that they made seven arrests and dealt with 144 'coronavirus-related incidents' over the Easter Weekend.
Gardaí were out in force as part of 'Operation Fanacht' to ensure Irish citizens were complying with social distancing measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which included conducting 150 permanent checkpoints on major traffic routes, 500 mobile checkpoints and a large number of patrols at tourist locations beauty spots, parks and beaches.
Over a time period between Wednesday, 8 April to Monday, 13 April, Gardaí report they interacted with "hundreds of thousands of people" and were pleased that "the vast majority" were adhering to social distancing measures.
However, multiple cases over the past week have seen Gardaí "enforce" the measures, where they say "despite receiving a number of warning, some individuals did not adhere to the guidelines" and seven arrests were made.
The Gardaí conduct 'Operation Fanacht' on four sets of guidelines: "engage, educate, encourage, and, as a last resort, enforce".
Under the new temporary Garda powers, those detained for breaching coronavirus guidelines could face six months in prison or a fine of €2,500.
Hundreds of checkpoints are being conducted to ensure people are complying with new measures including not travelling further than 2km from home except for essential work and food shopping.A statement from Gardaí also report a further 144 "Covid-19 related incidents" which began as breaches of regulations but resulted in further criminal aspects being uncovered-- "as such, long-standing legislation for offences such as public order, assault, road traffic and drugs was used".
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris thanked the majority of the public for adhering to the guidelines over the Easter Weekend and said it was "regrettable" that Gardaí had to use their new enhanced powers in a small number of cases.
"There was a very high level of compliance with the public health guidelines over the Easter weekend. I want to thank the public for that. This has helped saved lives. We now need people to continue that high level of compliance over the coming weeks. Working together we can reduce the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
"Regrettably, there was a small minority who did not adhere to the guidelines or other legislation and Garda members had no option but to use the regulations or other legislation. This demonstrates the need for the regulations not only from an enforcement point of view, but also to support those who are willingly living their lives in line with the public health guidelines,” Commissioner Harris added.
