Covid-19: Over half of new cases in Dublin as gardaí step up patrols
Gardaí on O'Connell St in Dublin City on Saturday as people demonstrated against public health guidelines. Picture: Leah Farrell/Rollingnews.ie
More than half of 414 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed over the weekend were in Dublin, where gardaí are stepping up patrols to crack down on large gatherings and ensure compliance with public health guidelines.
The health service confirmed one further death from Covid-19 on Sunday, as well as 255 new cases.
The latest figures saw three deaths and 414 new cases being confirmed between Saturday and Sunday, bringing the total number of cases closer to 31,000 and deaths to 1,784 to date.
Dublin accounted for more than half (56%) of new cases confirmed over the weekend — 75 confirmed on Saturday and 156 confirmed on Sunday .
On Saturday, acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said Dublin was at a “critical moment” in terms of the spread of the disease.
In response, gardaí are increasing the number of patrols on foot, by car, and by bike across the capital, to ensure members of the public are adhering to social distancing, wearing face masks, and other public health guidelines.
"There has been very good compliance with the public health guidelines to date,” said Deputy Garda Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey.
"As a result, we will have a high-visibility presence throughout Dublin to support the public health guidelines and regulations."
The move by gardaí follows a large protest on Saturday that saw thousands of people gather in the city centre to demonstrate against ongoing public health restrictions and requirements to wear face masks.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government "would not hesitate" to introduce restrictions in Dublin if numbers continue to rise.
The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to consider advice from public health experts .
