Harris urged to step up cross Border effort in tackling COVID-19

A local TD has called on the Minister for Health to ramp up cross border engagement to address the "alarming rise" of confirmed coronavirus cases in the border region.  
Today The Anglo-Celt reported that Cavan has the highest number of confirmed cases per 100,000 in the State; while Monaghan came from being the last county in the Republic to have a confirmed case to having the third highest rate per 100,000. 
TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth is concerned that the counties' proximity to the border is a key factor. 
“There is much anxiety in Cavan and Monaghan regarding COVID-19," said Deputy Smyth. "With a very different approach in Northern Ireland and so many still crossing the border for various reasons it may be having a direct impact on case numbers."
“We need to see joined up thinking between the Departments of Health in the Republic and in Northern Ireland to tackle the spread of this virus. There was a memorandum signed between both administrations. It is now time for Minister Simon Harris to step up dialogue with his equivalents in Northern Ireland."
The Fianna Fáil deputy also voiced concern the gardaí having their hands tied when it came to fully enforcing the new regulations. 
“I am also calling on Minister Harris to change the regulations under the new coronavirus measures. Right now, Gardaí cannot use enforcement orders on those who travel into the State from Northern Ireland or abroad. More than most counties, this change would have a real impact here in Cavan-Monaghan.
“Many of us have abided by the public health guidelines and stayed at home. It has not been an easy process but by taking these proactive steps the rate of transmission has decreased nationally. We need stronger measures in place from the Department of Health in the Republic, Northern Ireland, and to the Gardaí to bring down the case numbers in Counties Cavan and Monaghan,” concluded Deputy Smyth.