DPP sent files over lack of masks in shops and on public transport
GARDAÍ have sent a number of files to the DPP arising from alleged breaches of the anti-Covid measure making it mandatory to wear a face mask in a shop or on public transport, the Irish Independent has learned.
A breach of the law could result in a fine of up to €2,500 or six months in jail.
The files relate to gardaí seeking prosecution of a member of the public who was not wearing a mask and also a request for clarification on aspects of the law that could put the defendant before the District Court.
A spokesman for the garda press office said gardaí engaged, educated, encouraged, and as a last resort, enforced in these kind of instances.
“Where gardaí find potential breaches of the public health regulations, a file is prepared for the DPP in each case. An Garda Síochána does not comment on correspondence with the office of the DPP.”
The law allows for exemptions in some cases and this creates a difficulty for gardaí in policing the law. It comes as greater surveillance of Covid19 restrictions is expected to be more the norm as the country grapples with another dangerous surge in Covid-19.
A further 506 new cases of Covid-19 and one new death were reported yesterday as the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) decided to leave the country at Level 3 but with a major warning about another deterioration in spread if people do not change their behaviours.
Among yesterday’s cases 91 were in Dublin, 76 in Cork, 53 in Donegal and 42 were in Meath, with the remaining 244 cases spread across 21 counties. Prof Philip Nolan of Maynooth University warned: “The call to action is the same as it has been for weeks but much more urgent now.”
He said people needed to radically limit their contacts, maintain physical distance and safe practices when they do meet, and self-isolate and seek a test if a person develops potential symptoms of Covid-19.
The projection is that there will be 1,100 to 1,500 cases a day and 400-500 people in hospital by early November unless the situation can be turned around. There is no county where the virus is “not a cause of concern”, he added.
New local electoral area figures show the worst hit for Covid are Lifford, Stranorlar and Carndonagh in Donegal as well as Granard in Longford and Monaghan town.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s four Catholic Archbishops have called for a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to ask him to allow parishioners to return to Mass despite Level Three restrictions.
RTÉ news reported Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary and the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Kieran O’Reilly expressed concern about the effects the restrictions are having on parishes and individuals.