Gardaí are resuming Covid-19 checkpoints and patrols from today as Ireland re-enters a full Level Five lockdown.
As of midnight, people are being told to stay at home except for essential journeys or to avail of outdoor physical exercise within 5km of their home. No visitors are permitted in private homes/gardens and no social/family gatherings should take place.
Gardaí are today restarting intensive mobile high visibility checkpoints within local areas to engage, explain and encourage persons to support public health guidelines.
High-visibility patrolling will also be carried out in public areas such as parks and recreational areas. Garda resources will be maximised on outdoor duties and the Garda College will remain closed until further notice and those resources will remain deployed in local communities.
A spokesperson said: “The Covid-19 pandemic remains a real threat to all citizens, and particularly the most vulnerable in our society. As a community based police service, local Gardai will continue to maintain personal interactions and where needed to assist and support people. As we have said before “at this time we need more than ever to support the most vulnerable in our society, particularly our elderly and isolated”.”
Any person with concerns for themselves or for a neighbour should contact their local Garda station, Contact details, including email contact, for all Garda stations can be found on the Garda website or in any phonebook.
Under Operation Faoiseamh, gardaí have confirmed that victims of domestic abuse incidents, including coercive control, will continue to receive highest priority response for service.
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.
The spokesperson said: “If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.
“If you are unable to make phone contact please approach any member of An Garda Síochána on duty, on patrol, on a checkpoint and look for assistance, we are here to help.”
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, “An Garda Síochána’s focus remains on helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by seeking public compliance with public health regulations.
“Throughout 2020 we have seen high levels of compliance by the public. This must continue in 2021 until this public health crisis is over.
“Under Level 5, we are asking people to not make journeys unless they are essential. To minimise their contacts. To maintain social distancing. To wash their hands. By taking these steps, we can help protect our loves ones, our neighbours, and our communities.
“I would like to remind people, particularly at this time of the year, that their local Gardaí are here for them. Whether that this collecting their prescription, or some fuel, or even a socially distanced chat. Please do not hesitate to contact your local Garda station. We are here to help.”