Garda Ireland checkpoints: where the officers will be during the level five lockdown and what they will ask

As the Covid-19 situation in Ireland continues to spiral, the country is now ready to adapt to the Level Five restrictions reintroduced this week.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed that the country will enter another effective total lockdown in an attempt to stem the further spread of the virus.

The current measures will be in effect until January 31 before they are reviewed again by the Cabinet, who will decide whether or not to extend them.

For now, however, people will have to get used to tough measures that will bring full-blown restrictions back.

One of the biggest restrictions being implemented is the refund of the 5km travel limit.

This means that Gardai will be on Irish roads once again setting up checkpoints across the country to encourage people to stay home as much as possible.

This is what you need to know:

Checkpoints

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Garda Covid checkpoints have become a regular part of our daily lives.

And with the re-introduction of the travel cap, you are likely to see much greater visibility in the days ahead.

Gardai has already been dispatched to carry out checks on main roads following the inter-county travel ban.

However, Gardai has also said that they will now “carry out high visibility intensive mobile checkpoints within local areas to engage, explain and encourage people to support public health guidelines.”

Other patrols

In addition to the Covid checkpoints, Garda officers will also be dispatched to patrol public areas.

This can include recreational areas and parks where large groups of people are known to congregate despite restrictions.

A Garda spokesperson said: “A Garda Síochána will continue to conduct high visibility patrols in key public areas such as parks and recreational areas.”

“This will see Gardai continue to work with individuals, communities and businesses to support each other during the move to Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19.”

What will they ask you

• Where are you going? It is against the new rules to travel more than 5 km from your home, so the first question is where you are traveling as well.
• Do you have a letter from work? All essential workers should have received a letter from their employer allowing them to travel; it is important that you bring this with you if you have one.
• Where you live? Gardai will ask you where you are traveling from to verify if it is within their radius, keep in mind that they can verify in less than a minute with their registration the address where the car is registered.
• Non-essential workers can only go outside their 5 km radius for essential reasons, such as caring for a sick or vulnerable loved one.

Exceptions

Gardai has reiterated that there are a number of exceptions to the 5km travel ban and has placed greater emphasis on supports for victims of domestic abuse.

They have added that the rules do not apply to victims and have mounted a major operation to support victims of abuse.

A spokesperson said: “A Garda Síochána understands that moving to Level 5 can once again increase the anxiety and fear felt by those who may be victims of domestic abuse.”

“An Garda Síochána is here to help. Victims of incidents of domestic abuse, including enforcement, will continue to receive a service response of the highest priority.

Travel restrictions DO NOT APPLY in the event of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, either to the person or to another person.

“If you are a victim of abuse or know a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you contact An Garda Síochána. If you need urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are here to listen to help and protect.

“If you cannot make contact by phone, approach any An Garda Síochána member on duty, on patrol, at a checkpoint and seek help, we are here to help.”