CORONA HITS 27 GARDAI
Hundreds more off duty in self-isolation ++ Ten new virus deaths and 255 new cases ++ 600 doctors and nurses rejoin the HSE
OVER two dozen gardaí have been diagnosed with coronavirus while ‘hundreds’ are in self-isola- tion, the Mail can reveal. Meanwhile, a father and son were refused bail yesterday after they were accused of spitting on two gardaí in Dublin city centre.
The total of 27 coronavirus infections among gardaí was revealed to high-ranking officers at headquarters yesterday but a source said Garda bosses believe the true figure is far higher, as hundreds of officers are in isolation. Many are awaiting test results or have yet to be tested.
The number of deaths due to coronavirus in Ireland jumped by 10 last
night, making 19 in total. The number of cases of the virus was up 255, making a tally of 1,819, the Department of Health said.
But the battle against the virus was bolstered yesterday with more than 600 doctors, nurses and midwives rejoining the medical register.
Also on the frontlines, Garda sources said the number of infected gardaí is likely much higher than the 27 confirmed cases in the force.
‘The number of confirmed infected gardaí is 27, as of right now,’ a senior source told the Irish Daily Mail yesterday. ‘But that number in reality is much higher, I’m sure. It’s just that all the results aren’t back and plenty are still waiting on getting tested.’
Sources say that ‘every Garda district in the country’ now has officers who are either confirmed cases, or are in isolation.
The Mail revealed earlier this week that 25 gardaí including several senior officers were ‘selfisolating’ in Leinster after a colleague tested positive for Covid-19 following his return from the UK.
The infected mid-ranking officer attended a Covid-19 preparation meeting with senior colleagues before he was diagnosed.
A chief superintendent, a superintendent and several inspectors are among the high number of officers now ‘out of action’ after being exposed to the virus.
It is understood that gardaí nationwide are infected. An officer from the armed Special Detective Unit based in the capital has also tested positive for coronavirus, it is understood.
‘Gardaí are no different to the rest of society. There are confirmed cases nationwide now of Garda officers,’ said a source.
However, they added: ‘This will not affect day-to-day policing; gardaí are managing the situation effectively.’
The meeting at Garda HQ yesterday was primarily called to discuss the procurement of 16,000 ‘spit hoods’ for the force. The controversial restraint device will be placed over suspects’ faces during the coronavirus crisis.
The plastic devices have been criticised by human rights groups in the UK – where they are widely deployed by police forces – as dangerous and debasing.
The force here has ordered 16,000 spit hoods, which cover the entire face of the detainee and stops them spitting at, coughing on or biting officers.
They are to be distributed to frontline members. Gardaí said in a statement when contacted: ‘Spit hoods which are currently on issue to the Irish Prison Service, and other international police services, are currently being procured. They will be deployed as a temporary measure for the duration of the Covid-19 public health situation.
‘Policy, including the extent of deployment and training for this form of PPE [personal protective equipment], will be provided prior to issuing any items.’
The statement added: ‘An Garda Síochána takes the safety of the public and the safety of its members very seriously and is engaging with the staff representative associations on a daily basis.’
There have been several claims of incidents of people spitting at or coughing on members of the public and gardaí while claiming to have coronavirus.
Yesterday, a father and son were refused bail after they were accused of spitting on two gardaí on duty in Dublin city centre. Dublin District Court heard that a crowd had gathered as a drug search got ‘out of hand’, and the incident was filmed by passers-by. Paul Clarke Sr, 49, and his son James Clarke, 27, of Clonard Road, Crumlin, were charged with assaulting gardaí acting in the execution of their duty.
The Mail revealed earlier this week that a 19-year-old man was arrested in Co. Waterford after he threatened to cough in the face of a garda who was warning him about social distancing.
16,000 ‘spit hoods’ to protect officers