Gardaí have suffered 64 spitting and coughing attacks since they were handed powers to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.

The figures are included in the latest report on the enforcement of public health guidelines.

The 64 incidents were recorded between April 8th, when the regulations were signed into law, and last Saturday May 9th.

Meanwhile, gardaí used the new anti-spit guards 47 times over the same period.

Main image: File photo of a spit hood on a mannequin. Picture by: Simon Sachseder/DPA/PA Images

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the anti-spit guards should only be used in “very limited circumstances.”

“Unfortunately, we continue to see these disgusting and despicable spitting and coughing attacks on our personnel,” he said.

“These are a significant health and safety risk to our members in the current environment. We must protect them from such attacks.

“We have made it clear these anti-spit guards are only to be used as last resort and in line with the Garda Decision Making Model which includes, at its centre, human rights and our Code of Ethics.”

Garda regulations permit the use of the spit hoods where there is ‘clear evidence of spitting now or where a member believes there is a clear and tangible threat of spitting.’

Each use of the spit guard is recorded and reported to the Policing Authority and their use is due to be reviewed in September.

Gardaí stopping cars at a checkpoint near the Bray exit off the M11 as part of Operation Fanacht, 10-04-2020. Image: 10-04-2020. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Meanwhile, Gardaí have now used their COVID-19 powers 192 times since they came into force.

The force said it is continuing to experience a high level of compliance with the guidelines and noted that members only used the powers in a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of interactions they have had with the public since they were introduced.

The 192 incidents include situations where people had their name and address taken but were not arrested.

The DPP will decide whether to bring charges in each of these cases.

However, Gardaí caught people breaking other laws 1,432 times while carrying out COVID-19 operations.

The offences range from drink driving and public order to drugs and weapons seizures.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris at Garda HQ in Phoenix Park in Dublin, 28-04-2020. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

“We thank the public for the continued high level of compliance with the health guidelines,” said Commissioner Harris.

“Working together, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 to help protect our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.”

“At the outset of the COVID-19 situation, I said that An Garda Síochána will continue to operate as a community-based policing service with a focus on protecting the vulnerable.

“This approach will not change.”

Finally, 21,542 people have been Garda-vetted for COVID-19 roles since the outbreak began.