With Galway surpassing Dublin with the highest number of daily cases of Covid-19 in the State, the gardaí have been asked to increase the number of Covid-19 checkpoints across the county for the rest of January.
The Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Independent councillor James Charity [pictured below] has formally written to the Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochana to request the more checkpoints be put in place. "I understand this will not be a popular course of action," he said, "but it is imperative that we now collectively do all we can to curb the spread of this virus."
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His call comes as the number of daily cases in Galway rose to 604 cases - the highest new daily number in the State. Cllr Charity described the figures as "extremely disappointing and deflating", but added that it was also "not surprising".
Cllr Charity said that on numerous occasions over the last week, he has been contacted by constituents concerned about compliance with lockdown measures.
'It is clear many have not obeyed the lockdown restrictions - a cursory glance at any social media platform will confirm that'
"There have been instances of people travelling outside their 5k radius to places like the prom in Salthill for exercise," he said. "I have even been told of situations where staff at essential trade premises, or from premises which were well outside the 5k radius, have had to turn away people. Staff shouldn't be put in that position."
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Public asked to re-double their efforts
Cathaoirleach Charity has called on all citizens across the county to redouble their efforts to obey the lockdown restrictions. "The difference between this third wave and the first and second waves, is that we're all now hearing of cases in practically every town, village and parish across the county," he said.
While he acknowledged that it was "easy to be critical of Government" for decisions that were taken in the run up to Christmas, and for the Government's general policy on the border with the North, and issues such as inward travel, Cllr Charity did say "all of that is outside our control".
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"The only thing we can control is our own personal actions," he said, "and while many across our county have been adhering to restrictions, for which we all thank you, it's also clear many have not. Even a cursory glance at any social media platform will confirm that."
