Gardaí appeal to people to reduce contacts over Easter

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An Garda Síochána has urged people in the county to reduce their social contacts over Easter Weekend and during the holidays to help prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Gardaí say that they have observed overwhelming compliance with the current lockdown restrictions.

And they have urged the public to maintain this high level of compliance by staying home and reducing social contacts which will keep people safe.

The current restrictions do not allow for people to travel from their home except for a reasonable excuse or necessary journey.

An Garda Síochána has reminded people that travelling to holiday homes, family gatherings or religious services are not provided for as a ‘reasonable excuse’.

Anyone found to be in breach of the non-essential travel regulations can be subject to a fine of €100.

Gardaí also appealed to the public 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, they said.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said that 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,” said Anne Marie.

“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 also reminded people that 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.

An Garda Síochána continues to remind anyone who may have been the victim of an incident of sexual or domestic crime irrespective of whether they have been in breach of any public health regulations, for instance by attending a house party, that Gardaí are there to assist and support you, and people are urged to report all such incidents.