Garda Commissioner Drew Harris called the incidents “reprehensible”.
Gardaí were spat or coughed at during the course of their work 31 times during the month of April.
In a statement, An Garda Síochána reported 31 incidences of members being spat and/or coughed at, while spit hoods were used 15 times during the period from 8 April until 25 April.
Spit hoods were introduced in Ireland as a temporary measure during the Covid-19 outbreak to protect members of An Garda Síochána from being spat or coughed at.
In an update to Operation Fanacht issued on Tuesday, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris called the incidents “reprehensible” and said they indicated challenges facing Gardaí.
“These spitting and coughing attacks on our personnel are reprehensible, and show the challenges members of An Garda Síochána are facing in keeping people safe in unique circumstances,” he said.
“It is vital that we protect their health and safety. This includes having the option of using anti-spit guards in very limited circumstances.
“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 our Code of Ethics and human rights.”
Gardaí have invoked their emergency enforcement powers 76 times since they came into effect this month.
In addition, pre-existing enforcement powers were used in 760 incidents where other offences were highlighted in the course of Covid-19 operations, such as drink driving and public order offences.
Harris said that compliance with the current restrictions remains high but said a small number have not adhered to them.
“There remains a high level of compliance with the public health guidelines,” Harris said.
“I know this has been difficult for people, but it is critical this high level of compliance continues. This is an important week for the country in challenging Covid-19.
“Unfortunately, there are people who did not adhere to the guidelines and members of An Garda Síochána had no option but to use the regulations or other legislation. It should be stressed though that this is a tiny proportion of the people we have engaged with over this time.
“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.”
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