The public is being urged to reduce social contacts this Easter weekend
Gardai are appealing to the public to reduce social contacts this Easter Weekend to further reduce the current impact of Covid-19.
The public is being urged not to arrange or attend house parties or gatherings over this weekend. These events put not just those attending, but everyone they meet afterwards, at risk of catching COVID-19. Persons organising and attending house gatherings can be subject to a fine of €500 for organising and a fine of €150 for attending these events.
The current Public Health Regulations remain in place over the Easter weekend.
These regulations provide for travel restrictions outside a person’s place of residence except for a reasonable excuse or necessary journey. Travel to second / holiday homes, family gatherings, religious services etc... are not provided for as a ‘reasonable excuse’ in the regulations.
Persons found to be in breach of the non-essential travel regulations can be subject to a fine of €100.
A Garda spokeperson commented that:
"An Garda Síochána as citizens, with families, relatives and friends, understands the impact on the community in sticking with the Covid-19 Public Health Regulations and Guidelines.
"An Garda Síochána continues to observe overwhelming compliance by the public in support of the current Public Health Regulations and Guidelines and continues to urge the public to maintain this high level of compliance; staying home and reducing social contacts is keeping people safe."
Gardai will continue to implement checkpoints across the road network to support Government Public Health Regulations over the coming Easter period. These checkpoints further support ongoing Road Safety campaigns.
"An Garda Síochána appeals to motorists to slow down on approach to checkpoints, please follow the signals and directional signs and cooperate with members of An Garda Síochána."
Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said,
"An Garda Síochána is acutely aware the impact of Covid-19 is having on the communities that we live in. Public Health regulations are in place for the protection of the most vulnerable in our society. I appeal to everyone to make that extra effort this Easter weekend to comply with the Regulations, which remain in place. Your actions this weekend could protect a loved family member or dear friend.
"We are here to help and support our communities and the most vulnerable citizens. If you know of someone or suspect someone needs support during this time, please contact your local Garda station.”
"An Garda Síochána continues to remind persons subject to domestic violence - Travel restrictions DO NOT APPLY in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person."