Eight people have files sent to DPP for not wearing a face mask

GARDAÍ TONIGHT posted an update on policing restrictions since the introduction of Level 5 last week.

Gardaí received powers to enforce the new restrictions earlier this month and the force confirmed that so far a total of eight people have received files sent to the DPP for not wearing a face cover.

Officials are carrying out a number of initiatives, including Operation Fanacht, which is designed to limit the number of people on our roads by enforcing the 5km rule.

Since October 22, Gardaí has ​​operated 132 checkpoints on main roads and around 1,000 other checkpoints on minor and minor roads every day. The force said compliance rates have been “very high.”

However, there have been two incidents since October 22 in which some people were suspected of violating travel restriction rules and files were sent to the DPP, who will decide whether to file criminal charges.

Traffic data shows that car volumes on the roads have fallen again since the introduction of Level 5. Overall, traffic levels are down nearly 50% compared to pre-Covid-19 levels in February.

Gardaí has ​​also continued to prevent and detect crime and traffic violations at Operation Fanacht checkpoints throughout the seven days starting October 22.

In total, 71 crimes have been recorded in the course of Covid-19 operations that were not related to breaches of regulations. It was mainly traffic and drug related.

Retail

Gardaí has ​​also been monitoring retailers across the country to ensure they comply with the new regulations. A total of 954 controls were carried out from noon last Saturday to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Officials said there were only six incidents in which retailers continued to break regulations despite being told they were breaking regulations. Files have also been sent to the DPP on these matters.

Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said compliance by the public and businesses with Level 5 public health regulations has been “very high and we thank them for that.”

“We continue to visit and interact with retail facilities to ensure regulatory compliance. We are seeing widespread compliance, but there are some premises that potentially violate regulations and you need to pay attention to your obligations.

“We appreciate that this is a difficult time for people, but we must all continue to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by following public health advice.”