*Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling. Photograph: John Mangan
With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise nationally, Clare County Council and An Garda Síochána have appealed to people across the county to remain extra vigilant.
In a joint statement to The Clare Echo, the County Council and the Gardaí called on individuals, businesses and communities in Clare to remain vigilant and continue to adhere to Government restrictions in response to the recent upsurge in cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Data released this evening (Wednesday) noted that Clare recorded its highest amount of daily cases (15) since June.
People are being reminded to comply with the public health measures, to stick to basic advice around hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing, and to limit social contacts over the period ahead, with An Garda Síochána stating that it will intervene where necessary to ensure compliance.
Compliance will be encouraged by the Gardaí through engagement, explanation and, if required, enforcement. Spot checks on licenced premises have found inspected premises to be compliant, Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran confirmed. “An Garda Síochána will police as it has always done, with the consent of the people. If necessary, we will intervene where venues/outlets are not in compliance or where groups of people are not adhering to recommended measures. If it is noted by a member of the public that a premises is not in compliance, please report it and we will respond and carry out a check,” he stated.
“Our priority at all times is to keep people safe. If we all work together we will help protect the community we live in, our loved ones and our friends,” Colleran continued,
Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling outlined that the local authority will continue to monitor the number of cases locally and will take necessary steps to protect lives. “We must take very seriously the deteriorating situation with regard to Covid-19 in some parts of the country, and the rising number of cases nationally”.
He added, “This is a moment for great care and caution. I am reminding everyone to follow the public health advice and, crucially, to adhere to restrictions on social gatherings. Please plan to reduce the number of people you meet. It is only through a sustained collective effort that we can combat the spread of Covid-19.
“People naturally have felt frustration and fatigue at times in this battle. But we must keep up the fight, hold firm and stay focused. Complacency is one of Covid’s greatest allies. The people in Clare have shown remarkable resourcefulness, determination and solidarity throughout this pandemic, for which I commend them. As we find ourselves at another critical juncture, I know we will all rise to the challenge and take the actions that are necessary now to come through this challenging period,” Dowling concluded.
