Gardaí in Donegal are asking parents to be aware of their children’s whereabouts following a number of social gatherings.
Parents are being urged to ensure that their teenagers follow social distancing guidelines to protect others during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The warning comes after gardaí responded to reports of youths congregating in parks and in towns across the county.
An appeal was issued to parents today: “We want to appeal to the parents of these children to please ensure that you are aware of their location at all times and ensure that they too abide by the measures.”
Garda spokesperson Niall Maguire reminded parents of the public health dangers of such gatherings: “These young people are not immune to Covid-19 regardless of what they believe and the fear is that should they contract it, they could transfer it to more elderly members of their family and their community as a whole. If each and every one of us, young and old abide by the Public Health measures then it is hoped that life can get back to some form of normality soon and more importantly that lives will be saved.”
Meanwhile, gardaí have thanked the public for complying with current travel restriction measures. Covid-19 checkpoints are continuing throughout the day and night all over the Donegal Division and will continue for the foreseeable future, Garda Maguire said.
He said: “The compliance with the measures has been high to date and we want to thank the public for that. We understand that it is not an easy task to stay at home particularly if you have children but the measures apply to us also and it is very important that complacency does not start to creep in as time passes by.
“Please continue to stay at home, only travel when essential and exercise only within 2km of your home. Please continue to practice social distancing. Should anyone have any queries in relation to the measures then they can look up www.gov.ie.”
Garda Maguire issued a reminder that assistance is available to anyone is experiencing any hardship or suffering while isolating.
“I would advise them to contact their local Garda Headquarters and we will assist when possible or we will put them in touch with someone who can help them. We can be contacted on:
Letterkenny – 074 -9167100
Milford – 074 – 9153060
Buncrana 074 – 9320540
Ballyshannon – 071 -9858530
“We are also part of the Community response forum who can be contacted on 1800 928 982 or email covidsupport@donegalcoco.ie
You can contact this forum for assistance with grocery shopping, the collection of prescriptions, transport to Covid-19 test centres or medical/hospital appointments or meal delivery. This forum can also offer help with social isolation and will put you in touch with the relevant support services should you need them.”