A call is being made for the pubic to support frontline workers by staying at home.
The call is being made as Covid-19 deaths increase and there is additional pressure being put on the health service.
Paul Reid, Chief Executive of the HSE described the situation in the heath service as ‘grim and volatile’ with many individual hospitals operating at their surge capacity. Today, there has been 28 more deaths from Covid-19 and 3955 new cases in Ireland.
An Garda Síochána have said they will continue to operate a signifiant number of static and mobile checkpoints, in addition to high visibility patrolling focused on non-essential travel.
Gardaí issued 29 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) to people so far this week for breaches of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The public are reminded that the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020, as amended are currently in force. Regulation 4 states, inter alia, ‘an applicable person shall not leave his or her place of residence without reasonable excuse’. This is a Penal Regulation and is enforceable.
Paul Reid said many frontline clinical and nursing teams are under increasing strain, but said they stress that nobody should fee guilty about getting Covid-19 or needing the care.
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said: “Our health service is under pressure. Deaths from COVID-19 are rising. ICU admissions are increasing. The best way for people to protect and honour front-line workers is to stay at home. The best way for people to protect their loved ones, their neighbours, and their communities is to stay at home.”
“Please only make essential journeys. Exercise within 5km of your home. Minimise the amount of people you meet. Wear a face mask. Maintain social distancing. Wash your hands. If you visit somewhere to exercise and it is crowded then leave. This will all help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect lives,” added Deputy Twomey.
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If public amenities are crowded, public health advice is to avoid crowded areas.
Like last week, gardaí are advising the public that they are at risk of their car being towed away and impounded if they park illegally at such amenities because it can hinder access by emergency services.
Last weekend for example, Wicklow Gardaí issued in excess of 50 Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) for illegal parking and dangerous parking near amenities in the area. This was in addition to towing a number of vehicles, which obstructed emergency vehicle access. Wicklow Gardaí had put in place additional checkpoints and engaged with a significant number of persons who following engagement subsequently complied with current Covid-19 Public Health regulations.
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