Gardai issues important information if you are stopped at a Covid checkpoint during level five

Gardai has sent an important message to road users that they can be detained at a Covid-19 checkpoint when Level Five restrictions take effect.

Tough lockdown rules were put in place on Thursday in an attempt to curb the coronavirus.

And gardai is set to increase visibility in the coming weeks in the hopes of encouraging the public to adhere to the guidelines.

One of the most significant measures taken is the reestablishment of the Covid-19 checkpoints.

Thousands of checkpoints will be established on roads across the country in an effort to enforce the 5km travel limit rule.

Now gardai has offered some crucial advice to anyone who might be detained while on their way to get tested for Covid-19.

Obviously, traveling to a test is a valid exemption for the 5km travel limit, however you can still be stopped during your trip.

And gardai has asked people not to open their windows if they are heading for a test as a security measure.

A message posted on Gardai’s Twitter account reads: “Reminder: Remember if you are traveling to have a # COVID-19 test and stopped at a Garda checkpoint, keep windows closed and show your # COVID-19 test the application through the window. Let’s keep everyone safe. “

Gardai has introduced a series of measures including high-visibility checkpoints and patrols to coincide with the imposition of new rules.

The 132 static checkpoints on the highways introduced earlier this month will be maintained and will be supplemented by hundreds of mobile checkpoints on the main and secondary roads.

There will be more than 2,500 gardai in service at a time to ensure compliance with public health guidelines.

On Thursday morning there were long collapses on the main highway from Belfast to Dublin.