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Gardaí has stepped up high-visibility patrols in Dublin as Covid-19 cases rise in the capital and, as authorities warned, the city and county faced a “critical moment” in fighting the virus.
The Garda said in a statement Sunday that increased police surveillance would see officers go on foot, in cars and on bikes throughout the county “to support public health guidelines, particularly in relation to social distancing and gathering in large groups “.
Deputy Police and Security Commissioner John Twomey said: “To date, public health guidelines have been met very well. We want to thank the public for this.
“However, as the acting CMO has said, in Dublin we are now entering a critical phase. As a result, we will have a high-visibility presence throughout Dublin to support public health guidelines and regulations.
He said it was “vital” that people who live, work and visit Dublin limit their social interactions, maintain social distancing, wear face masks in shops and on public transport, and do not gather in larger groups than those described in public health councils.
“We know the considerable sacrifices that people have made over the past six months, but individually and collectively we must continue to do everything we can to protect our families, friends and neighbors,” he added.
“Throughout the pandemic, An Garda Síochána has adopted a graduated police response based on its tradition of consent surveillance. This has seen An Garda Síochána members participate, educate, encourage and, only as a last resort, enforce. That approach continues.
“I would also like to reiterate that An Garda Síochána is still here for anyone who feels vulnerable or isolated at this time. If you need help or assistance, call your local Garda station. We are here to help and support you. “
Two new deaths and 159 new cases of coronavirus were reported on Saturday. Seventy-five of those cases occurred in Dublin.
In announcing the figures, Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Medical Director of the Department of Health, said: “47% of the cases reported today are in the city and county of Dublin. For the people of Dublin in particular, this is a critical time to address the spread of the disease in the community.
“Individual decisions can make a difference: rethink your plans for the weekend, reduce the number of people you meet, and avoid social activities that involve large groups of people.
“Covid-19 is a highly infectious disease that can spread even when symptoms are not present. Remember, when meeting friends, family, and colleagues, staying 2m apart is the best way to keep everyone safe. “
Earlier on Saturday, he posted a video calling on Dubliners to limit their social contacts as much as possible, noting that the increase in cases in Dublin was being driven by domestic broadcasting.
“We are seeing a lot of cases clustered into households and these clusters are spread throughout the city and county of Dublin,” added Dr Glynn.
Fortunately, the “vast majority” of cases in Dublin are young and hospitalization rates are low, he added. He also said that community transmission rates, where cases cannot be linked to other cases, are basically the same in Dublin as in other parts of the country. “This provides a window of opportunity to control the disease. We all need to act now to break the transmission trains, ”he said.
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