A poster offering Dubliners a big €1,000 reward for reporting house parties in the capital has been deemed fake by Gardai.
The picture of the yellow and black poster hanging on a pole in the northside began circulating heavily on social media in the last few days after it was posted online.
It reads: “Stop the spread of Covid-19. Save Lives, report house parties.
"Free Phone '1800 666 333' - €1,000 reward. A message from An Garda."
House parties have become a major concern and issue for health chiefs who warn that it is an easy way of spreading the virus especially among young people.
Gardai have been clamping down on these gatherings since the easing of restrictions but this poster is not connected with any of their ongoing operations.
The number on the poster - while similar to the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 - is out of service and unreachable.
Gardai also spoke out about the suspicious sign confirming that it was not an official campaign by the force.
And while there is no reward for alerting authorities, Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn has said that now is not the time for house parties.
He said: "There are safe environments, there are ways to keep environments safe and then unfortunately in the context of a pandemic, there are less safe environments, one of which is house parties.
We're pleading with people, particularly in the context of what we are seeing this evening, that now is not the time. Now is actually the time to limit your contacts".
The Chief Clinical Officer at the HSE, Dr Colm Henry echoed those words saying: "If it runs rampant among younger people, that will lead to uncontrolled transmission.
"We are relying on a society solidarity to protect those who are most vulnerable."
