Minister for Health Simon Harris signs regulations to give An Garda Síochána the power to enforce COVID-19 restrictions
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 10 April 2020
- Last updated on: 8 April 2020
Note: These measures were originally meant to last until 10 April 2020 but have been extended following the government's decision to extend the public health measures from 18 May 2020.
The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, has signed the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) Regulations on 7 April 2020. These regulations are made under section 31A of the Health Act 1947 (inserted by section 10 of the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020) and their purpose is to prevent, limit, minimise or slow the spread of COVID-19.
The regulations underpin the measures announced by the Taoiseach on 27 March 2020 requiring people to stay at home and not to gather in public.
Minister Harris said:
"While these regulations are necessary for enforcement reasons, I do acknowledge and thank the public who have been working with us on following the public health advice to limit the spread of COVID-19 and save lives."
The regulations provide that people should not leave their home without a reasonable excuse and also prohibit people from holding or attending at any event where people would gather for any purpose other than one related to the reasons for which you are allowed to leave your home.
Details of a reasonable excuse includes providing or assisting in providing an essential service, going to an essential retail outlet and accessing an essential service. Information on essential retail outlets is in Schedule 1 and information on essential services is in Schedule 2.
Minister Harris continued:
"The regulations come into effect on 8 April and will remain in operation until Tuesday 5 May 2020. They were originally set to run until 12 April but were extended in light of the extension of the public health measures until 5 May. They will be reviewed in line with recommendations by the Chief Medical Officer and the National Public Health Emergency Team."
ENDS
