MEMBERS OF An Garda Síochána have reported six spitting attacks in just one week as they continue to monitor adherence to social distancing guidelines.
A new report from Garda Headquarters states that from 8 April to 16 May, Gardaí were intentionally spat and/or coughed at by members of the public 70 times, with six of those attacks happening in just one week from 9 - 16 May.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, speaking on the trend which has persisted since the Covid-19 pandemic began, said:
"Regrettably, these reprehensible spitting and coughing attacks on our personnel continue. These are a significant health and safety risk to our members in the current environment. We must protect them from such attacks."
Gardaí have been supplied with up to 16,000 'spit-hoods' to protect them from such attacks, but have stated that they are used only as a last resort 'where there is clear evidence of spitting now or where a member believes there is a clear and tangible threat of spitting posed by the public'.
They have assured the public that the use of spit-hoods by Gardaí is a temporary measure which will last only until the threat from the Covid-19 pandemic continues.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris had previously condemned the "disgusting and despicable" spitting attacks on members of Gardaí. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieWhile Garda Commission Harris has praised the majority of the Irish public for the continued "high level of compliance with the public health guidelines to date", he acknowledged that further warnings and arrests had been made with regards to people who refused to adhere to social distancing and travel restrictions.
Commissioner Harris went on to stress the importance that everyone continue to follow the guidelines as Ireland enters phase 1 of reopening the country.
"There has been a high level of compliance with the public health guidelines to date. I want to thank the public for that," he said.
"But, from this week, the country is entering another critical phase. It is vital that we all continue to play our part in reducing the spreading of COVID-19 by adhering to the updated public health guidelines.
"At the outset of the COVID-19 situation, I said that An Garda Síochána will continue to operate as a community-based policing service with a focus on protecting the vulnerable.
He concluded, "This approach will not change during this new phase."
