A NEW Garda report has revealed that 139 people were cautioned for breaching Covid-19 guidelines in the space of three weeks.
An Garda Síochána began the report by thanking the Irish people for a "high level of compliance" with the restrictions implemented to slow the spread of coronavirus in the country, but said that a number of arrests had been made, including for some spitting attacks.
Of the 139 confirmed incidents, there included multiple arrests as well as some cautions where names and addresses of those in breach of the guidelines were taken, with Gardaí insisting that arrests are a last resort.
Some of these arrests are already before the court, Gardaí have confirmed.
With regards to vehicles travelling outside of the 2km zone-- which has since been extended to 5km-- Gardaí reported a very high level of compliance, with a 'turn back' rate of just 0.16% at four major checkpoints, with parties agreeing to return to their homes after their reason for travel was deemed not valid.
"The continued high level of compliance with the health guidelines is very welcome " Garda Commissioner Drew Harris Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieHowever, Gardaí investigating possible breaches of Covid-19 regulations has resulted in 1,172 incidents in which criminal aspects were found, such as drink driving, drugs and weapons seizures or public order offences.
Commissioner Drew Harris said, "The continued high level of compliance with the health guidelines is very welcome and we thank the public for it. Both the low level of ‘turn-backs’ at major checkpoints and the very small usage of the regulations compared to the huge number of interactions we have had with people show that the vast majority of people are playing their part in tackling COVID-19.
"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. This approach will not change.”
Also within the dates of 8 April to 5 May, Gardaí were forced to use spit-hoods 28 times, reporting a total of 52 spitting and/or coughing attacks on officers.
Commissioner Harris said, "Regrettably, we continue to see spitting and coughing attacks on our personnel. These are a significant health and safety risk to our members in the current environment. We must protect them from such disgraceful attacks.
"This includes having the option of using anti-spit guards in very limited circumstances. We have made it clear these anti-spit guards are only to be used as last resort and in line with the Garda Decision Making Model, which includes at its centre human rights and our Code of Ethics.”
See More: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Gardai
