[ad_1]
Arrests have been made after more than 300 people gathered in Stormont to demonstrate against coronavirus regulations.
Northern Ireland faces four weeks of heavy traffic restrictions that the Executive approved to try to stop a dramatic increase in cases in recent weeks.
When protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the regulations on the Stormont grounds, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) attended.
Using a loudspeaker, officers read a warning to those gathered about the risk of prosecution under coronavirus restrictions against large groups gathering outside.
The latest regulations prohibit mass gatherings, stating that no more than 15 can gather outside.
The PSNI confirmed that arrests were made and fines handed out in Stormont on Sunday.
“The number of attendees and the lack of social distancing from the crowd was in stark contrast to the assurances given to the police by the organizers in the days leading up to the event,” said Deputy Chief Alan Todd.
“The police engaged with the organizers before and during the protest in an attempt to encourage them to disperse and comply with the Health Protection Regulations. Unfortunately, both the organizers and the participants did not cooperate with these requests and continued to violate the regulations, “he said.
Therefore, the officers moved to enforce the regulations, which resulted in the issuance of notices of flat fines and a series of arrests. We will also conduct follow-up investigations to seek to identify other individuals who may have committed crimes. “
Mr. Todd added: “As I said earlier, on other occasions, we work with organizers and protesters to facilitate peaceful and legal protests, however these are not normal times.
“The Health Protection Regulations, particularly at this time with greater restrictions in place, are there to protect us all during this pandemic and it is everyone’s responsibility to adhere to them to protect our society.”
Pubs and restaurants will be closed for four weeks in Northern Ireland, with the exception of takeout and delivery, while schools will close on Monday for two weeks, one of which will cover the mid-year break.
The measures do not amount to a large-scale lockdown similar to the one imposed during the virus’s first wave, but mark a significant increase in the administration’s response to spiraling infection rates.
When asked about the meeting on social media, Justice Minister Naomi Long said she raised the event with Finance Minister Conor Murphy, whose department is responsible for the Stormont property, and PSNI’s chief of police. last week when he found out.
She commented: “You cannot prevent people from coming … The action that has been taken is not something that has been reported to me yet.”
Public speech
Earlier today, a Stormont minister said it is “important to have a public address” on how to stop the rise in coronavirus cases.
Education Minister Peter Weir of the DUP spoke after his party colleague and colleague Edwin Poots criticized the tough new restrictions agreed by the Executive last week.
Last week, Mr Poots said his party had opposed some of the restrictions, saying some colleagues in the executive “don’t seem to mind” that people lose their jobs as a result of the measures.
He also pointed the guilty finger at certain sporting activities and, in particular, post-match celebratory events.
On Sunday, Weir said that people have a “right to express their opinions.”
Some 1,012 new Covid-19 cases in the latest 24-hour reporting period were announced Sunday by the Northern Health Department, representing 7,090 new cases in the past seven days. Five deaths were also reported, bringing the number recorded by the department to 615.
[ad_2]