Gardai impacted by COVID cases
THERE is growing concern over the large number of Louth gardai who are reportedly not able to work, after being impacted by COVID-19.
Hundreds of gardaí across the country are said to have been forced to self-isolate in recent weeks, because they have been in contact with people who contracted COVID-19.
A number of officers are reported to have contracted the deadly virus.
More than 70 gardaí in the Louth division were said to have been self-isolating last week, with a significant number of those from the Dundalk district.
A garda spokesperson told the Argus ‘ there is currently no impact on any functions of An Garda Síochána as a result of COVID-19.
‘An Garda Síochána continues to liaise with the Health Service Executive and implement all National Protocols where appropriate.
‘HSE guidelines, supported by internal An Garda Síochána Chief Medical Officer guidance, are routinely circulated to all staff members of An Garda Síochána. All members of An Garda Síochána are expected to fully comply with HSE guidelines.’
Meanwhile, Louth garda chief, Chief Supt. Christy Mangan has described the current situation with regards to COVID-19 as ‘exceptional’ and ‘a huge risk to human life and public health’.
Speaking on LMFM, he said gardai were introducing a range of new measures in line with the return of Level 5 restrictions, including an increase in checkpoints.
Despite the numbers of gardai reported to be impacted by COVID-19 at present, he said they had ‘enough resources to police as needed’.