Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CHECKPOINT CHARLIES
» Cars turned back at border as cops launch an Easter blitz » Peopletold to stay put as five more die from Covid-19
HUNDREDS of fuming drivers were turned away from the border yesterday as the PSNI and gardai launched an Easter crackdown.
Roadblocks were set up between Derry and Donegal after ministers warned people not to flout Covid-19 restrictions.
After five more coronavirus deaths were confirmed here, Edwin Poots said: “If people think it’s OK to fill their car up and head off, they’ll be in for a shock.”
THE PSNI chief constable and Stormont Ministers yesterday warned people the Covid-19 lockdown will not be relaxed so people can have an Easter holiday.
Top cop Simon Byrne also said it is inevitable officers will have to issue penalty notices to the “small numbers of people who are continuing to ignore the restrictions”.
And Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey added “enforcement action will happen if that needs to happen”.
With Easter looming and improving weather, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots also weighed in.
He told the daily Coronavirus briefing: “If people think it’s OK to fill their car up and head off this weekend, they’ll be in for a shock because the police will be out on the roads.
“People will be asked what they’re doing and the law will be explained to them that it’s entirely inappropriate.”
Ms Hargey said restrictions on movement will remain in place for the foreseeable future, adding there would be no relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown measures next week when a review is due.
The number of coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland rose to 78 yesterday, with five further fatalities reported in the previous 24 hours.
As MOT centres helped carry out virus tests, there were 84 new confirmed cases bringing the total to 1,339. In the Republic, there have been 235 deaths, with 6,074 infections
Ms Hargey made clear there would be no imminent relaxation of the measures as it is feared people will visit beauty spots including parks and beaches this weekend.
She said: “We obviously continuously look at the medical advice and the modelling that is there. We know the restrictions that have been put in over the last number of weeks have had an impact and we want to make sure that continues and there’s no sharp increase in the number of cases.
“What we don’t want is to lift that too early and then seeing a sharp rise again, and that is a concern, obviously, so these restrictions will be in place for the foreseeable future.”
Mr Poots said the daily death updates were like flashbacks to the Troubles, urging people to adhere to social distancing rules.
“Every one of us can make a contribution to ensuring there are less people lose their lives by following the steps that have been outlined.
“What they’re doing is actually working, it’s doing good, they are saving lives. Keep at it. Now is not the time to give up.”
But he added he hopes the minority of people who are “misbehaving badly” are punished appropriately.” Asked if
Northern Ireland should consider replicating the restriction in place in the Republic – preventing travel beyond 2km from home – Mr Poots stressed police were patrolling the streets to ensure members of the public were not out for inappropriate reasons.
He added: “People will be asked what they’re doing and the law will be explained to them, that it’s entirely inappropriate.”
Gardai also manned checkpoints along the Donegal border with Derry in Bridgend, Muff, and Newtowncunningham and in Lifford on the border with Strabane, County Tyrone.
Hundreds travelling to and from Derry were turned back.
Under tough, new enforcements, brought in by the Republic yesterday, gardai will also be able to knock on the doors of holiday homes and caravans and instruct people to go home.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris outlined the measures of Operation Fanacht – a major policing operation that will see 2,500 officers on duty at checkpoints across the Republic.
He said: “The regulations are backing up all the advice and restrictions that have been advised by the medics and we are working with the rest of society in making sure that advice is followed through on.
“What we’re seeing is, discipline required to live by this medical advice is still starting to slip a little.” Earlier,
PSNI Chief Constable Byrne said officers “can only do our jobs with your support, particularly when it comes to staying at home and listening to the advice from the Government and health professionals”.
Speaking as officers patrolled Belfast’s Botanic Gardens and the Stormont Estate, he added: “Easter weekend is one that traditionally many people look forward to enjoying with friends and family.
“But please don’t be tempted to head to parks and beaches. Our policing approach continues to be we will engage with individuals and communities; explaining what we require them to do and encouraging them to change their behaviour to reduce the spread of the virus. “We will only use enforcement when it is absolutely necessary – if people are not listening and putting lives at risk.”
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