'This is not a police state' - Minister says lockdown not about snitching on neighbour

The laws are due to expire at midnight on Easter Sunday, but there are concerns people are more likely to make unnecessary trips with sunny weather forecast for the weekend.

Mr Harris told Virgin Media News that enforcement of the laws will be used sparingly.

Wednesday update - meeting with @INMO_IRL, work of @HIQA with nursing homes, letters from children around the country, North South telephone call, wellbeing programme & why we need you to #stayathome  #coronavirus #Covid19 https://t.co/moZCTZmaVR

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 8, 2020

“It is important that the guards have it as a last resort but they do have powers to ask you to return home. We have got to remember why they’re doing this; they’re doing it because they’re trying to keep you safe,” he said.

On Wednesday, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said people should contact gardaí if they are aware of people flouting the new laws.

Mr Harris said: “I think we have got to be clear here, I mean this is not a police state. The people are already working really hard in really difficult and stressful circumstances. People have been cooped up at home for a number of weeks trying to keep the kids occupied and people are trying their best.

“I think what we’re asking the Irish people this weekend is to show common sense and we’re all in this together.”

“Everyone seems to think this is just a virus that affects older people, and it’s also affecting many younger people at different ages as well so this is a virus that doesn’t discriminate on age, doesn’t discriminate gender, and it could not be more serious.

“So this Easter weekend we are asking you to stay at home. The alternative is so much worse.”

The latest restrictions in operation since Friday, March 27 mandate that everyone should stay at home, only leaving to:
• Shop for essential food and household goods;
• Attend medical appointments, collect medicine or other health products;
• Care for children, older people or other vulnerable people - this excludes social family visits;
• Exercise outdoors - within 2kms of your home and only with members of your own household, keeping 2 metres distance between you and other people
• Travel to work if you provide an essential service - be sure to practice social distancing

When asked what advice he would give to someone who has a neighbour flouting the law, he said: “The first thing you should do is drop the neighbour a text and say ‘come on now – you’re putting us all at risk here’.

“Of course if you feel that the public health advice isn’t being supported then the law of the land is clear and of course you should contact Gardai, but I don’t think we’re in that space.

“There will always be the few people who think they know better, and there will always be a few people that will flout whatever laws are in the country, but there has been a huge level of compliance in this country.”

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