The PSNI need urgent clarity on how they can tackle members of the public who defy lockdown

It is the latest unhelpful conduct from republicans, who agreed a position on March 12 with their Stormont executive colleagues on school closures, only to perform a u-turn the next day.

The UK government advice is that people should work from home if that is possible. If not, then people can go to work if it is safe to do so, and social distancing is observed.

There is inevitably some chaos: nations from China to Italy to the UK to the US are learning as they go along. The Republic of Ireland offered widespread Covid-19 tests, including to people from Northern Ireland, then had to retreat and tighten criteria when overwhelmed.

Across Northern Ireland, people are doing their bit: public transport drivers are driving, postmen are delivering, teachers are teaching children of key workers, store workers are keeping shops open, printers are printing newspapers, care workers tending to the frail, and so on. This is aside from NHS staff helping the sick, despite risks. We also need to support businesses and their workers who make key foods so they are safe in their vital work.

Meanwhile the last thing NI needs is members of the public behaving irresponsibly.

The News Letter has repeatedly asked relevant bodies when new PSNI powers will be unveiled.

We are told the delay is at Stormont. Are any politicians reluctant to give powers to police at this time of emergency?