As part of the Government’s easing of restrictions it was announced that those who had previously been cocooning can leave their houses for a drive or a walk within a 5km radius of their homes.

This news was broadly welcomed by those over 70 years of age or with underlying health conditions which put them at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, who had been unable to leave their homes since March 27th.

The easing of the restrictions means that over 70s can now go for a walk, as long as they adhere to social distancing, avoid contact with others, observe cough etiquette, not touch any surfaces when out and wash their hands when they return home.

Steven Tubbritt, Home Instead Senior Care Waterford welcomed the announcement. “It certainly has been hard on cocooners being confined to their homes. While many have had the help of family, neighbours, carers and volunteer groups with shopping and picking up prescriptions, not being able to get out for a short walk was particularly difficult to accept.”

However now that there are more over 70s enjoying their daily exercise routines again, Steven advises that people be mindful of older adults when out and about.

“We all need to practice social distancing, and particularly when we encounter an older person. If out jogging or walking please give them as much room as possible by moving out to the edge of the path or if safe to do so, step out onto the road. Trips and falls are a hazard amongst older people, so keep your distance and allow them to stay their course.”

The re-introduction of physical activity has many benefits, particularly to older adults. Light exercise can help prevent serious physical and emotional problems, such as depression, chronic conditions, and memory decline. Being physically active for just 20 minutes a day can not only improve strength and balance, it also improves mood and gives you more energy.

Steven added, “This is just one part of one phase in the road to lifting restrictions, but it is momentous for older people. However, as seniors still can’t go about their usual tasks of shopping or visiting friends and family, it’s vital to be there for them, both physical and emotionally. Whether it’s a visit to the shops, a phone call or dropping by for a chat at a safe distance, we still need to ensure their safety and well-being without jepordising their health.”

Families and carers should also consider contingency plans if their situation changes, such as arranging for a trusted neighbour or friend to help an elderly relative if they are unable to.

If you suspect that you or a loved one have COVID-19 call your local GP on the phone to ask for advice. Do not visit their surgery unannounced. You can also call the HSE Helpline on Call save 1850 24 1850 to seek advice & follow their instructions.

Home Instead Senior Care provides services to seniors in their own homes and is approved by the HSE. Its CAREGivers help clients maintain their independence by assisting them with activities of daily living such as personal care, meal preparation, laundry, shopping, and light housekeeping.

Home Instead Senior Care has taken a wide range of measures aimed at protecting its clients, staff and CAREGivers, in the face of COVID-19.

If you have any concerns about a senior relative during these challenging and unprecedented times you can call Home Instead Senior Care Waterford on 051 333966 or visit https://www.homeinstead.ie/

This year’s group of talented emerging filmmakers from Nemeton TV and Waterford Institute of Technology’s Higher Diploma in Television Production will premiere their films LIVE on Facebook Traenáil Nemeton on the 14th of May at 7pm. And there are some really exciting films on show this year, all subtitled!

Well known fiddler and filmmaker Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnall takes us on a delightful musical journey through the stunning Blue Stack Mountains of his native South West Donegal. In this once vibrant Gaeltacht of Na Cruacha, Iarfhlaith finds traces of a rich music, song and storytelling culture.

In an era of #Metoo, what does it take to be a female Vice-President in a Students Union? In his documentary film Na hUachtaráin Óga, Galway director Feargal de Bhal meets the young leaders of IT Sligo and Technical University Dublin as they help students deal with the housing crisis and mental health issues.

In her short drama Comhlint Chroí writer and director Fiona Ní Chiadhra from County Meath explores the dilemmas of online dating. University student Ríona (played by brilliant newcomer Meg Ní Riain) is juggling work and study when a past online encounter comes back to haunt her.

Bás Beatha by Clare filmmaker Domhnall Ó Dubhlainn is a fascinating insight into the social and economic impact of Brexit on the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Along with Scottish Politicians, we hear from teachers Marcas and Mòrbheinn Mhèinnearach, both Irish language and Scots Gaelic speakers living on Barra Island.

Éalú is an uplifting documentary produced by Séamus Ó Conchubhair from County Kilkenny and Jennifer Lynch from Cork city. The filmmakers explore the world of two migrants, Rodelyne from the Congo and Friday from Nigeria, who left their native countries to escape violence and find new lives in Ireland.

In An Taise young Bray filmmaker and musician Thomas Quill has directed a horror drama with surprising contemporary resonance. A deadly disease is spreading and there are terrible consequences for those who try to steal the cure. Thomas’s original music composition and sharp editing give his short film an eerie edge.

The Postgraduate Course in Television & Media Production is run by the Waterford Institute of Technology in association Nemeton TV, one of Ireland’s leading production companies, and Udarás na Gaeltachta. This course is widely regarded as the most industry-focused course in the media sector. The core belief is that our third level course is relevant, dynamic and genuinely prepares students for industry. The course has gained a high profile in the media industry and has an excellent employment record among course graduates. Films produced on the course are broadcast on TG4, screened at festivals around Ireland and have been winning the Best Irish Language Film at the National Student Media Awards every year since 2014.

This course runs from September 2020 to May 2021.

For more information visit nemeton.ie/training and WIT

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 058 46696

As companies are preparing to return to full operations there are so many policies and procedures that need to be amended, staff to receive induction training and management of all the administration that goes hand in hand with this. Management of COVID-19 Work safety Protocol will reduce the time that management has to focus operational goals. 

Let us manage this process from start to finish to ensure that all is in place and to allow your team to focus on operational strategies and company productivity. 

We offer a 20% discount to all Waterford Chamber Members.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 087 1199198. 

George Corbett Motors are set to reopen for Service, Aftersales and Parts on Monday, 18th May. The health and safety of our customers and staff are paramount to us and we will be implementing all HSE guidelines across all areas of the dealership.

If your vehicle is due a service or you have any aftersales queries please contact us on 051-857717 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For all other enquiries contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit us on Facebook or on www.georgecorbett-motors.com for regular updates.

Stay safe all.

As we all deal with the impact of Covid-19 Businesses now face the challenge of how and when to bring employees back safely.

Several factors make this task difficult for business owners to navigate. If not handled carefully we run the risk of people spreading virus.

Under the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 the primary obligation for an Employer is to “ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees”.

Employers must be able to demonstrate that they have done all that was reasonably practicable to protect their employees, visitors and clients/customers. You must be able to show that you have taken steps to preemptively reduced the risk in your facility.

FP Consulting Ltd can help you to prepare your workplace for the return of your employees and customers in advance of your reopening date.

We will assist with carrying out Risk Assessments for your workplace and managing staff who work remotely.

Avoid making these 5 mistakes when you reopen your business after the Covid-19 Pandemic:-

1. Don’t automatically adopt a Company run temperature taking operation.

Taking employees’ temperatures sounds like a smart safety measure until you consider the logistical challenges.

2. Don’t assume social distancing will be easy to enforce.

Similar to taking temperatures, while social distancing seems simple in theory, it is much more difficult to execute.

3. Don’t assume all your workers will feel safe enough to come back to work.

Even if you take all the necessary precautions it is highly likely you will have some employees who wont want to return to work because they feel unsafe.

4. Don’t equip your team with masks without a proper procedure in place

It is vital that detailed instruction is given to staff on how to use any PPE that they are given.

5. Don’t forget to come up with a plan for how to handle visitors to your business

All of the careful precautions you take to keep your staff safe will be for nothing if you don’t also think about how to handle third-party visitors to your business.

For Businesses that have continued trading during this period and/or have staff working remotely we can carry out Risk Assessments and review your current and future Health & Safety needs.

For further information please contact:

Patricia Mathews

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

086 8329157

Home of the Waterford Blaa since 1921, Irish bakery Walsh’s Bakehouse from Co. Waterford will see their famous “Blaa” stocked on the shelves for the very first time in all 142 Aldi stores for a limited two-week period from Thursday, 7th of May.

As with many businesses, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the operation of Walsh’s Bakehouse. With a significant loss of nearly all its food service and export orders, along with a restructuring and temporary layoff of staff, this helping hand from the Aldi team will play a huge part in ensuring Walsh’s Bakehouse remains operational during this unprecedented time.

The Walsh’s Bakehouse Waterford Blaa is a soft, floury white bread roll that has a long connection to the city and county, with between ten and twelve thousand Blaas eaten every day in the county alone! Walsh’s Bakehouse will deliver its 6 Pack of Waterford Blaas daily to Aldi stores nationwide, retailed at a special promotional price of €1.99.

Winner of Good Food Ireland’s ‘Best Small Producer Award’, Walsh’s Bakehouse, run by brothers, Dermot and Michael Walsh, continue their family legacy of three generation bakers producing the famous PGI status (Protected Geographical Indication) bread rolls which features on menus from Dublin to Düsseldorf to Dubai, all while offering freshly baked Blaa’s locally in Waterford City and county.

Co-Founder of Walsh’s Bakehouse, Dermot Walsh said, “The foodservice and export part of the business has essentially collapsed during this time, however a call from Aldi team looking to help support local businesses, introduce new products widely and at a fair price is a lifeline for our bakery and will help ensure our ovens remain on and the bakery open into its 100th year.  We know Aldi customers value Irish products and we’re looking forward to seeing all the great dishes our new Aldi customers will create”. 

Aldi is committed to growing its Irish supply base and increasing the number of Irish products available in its stores. It has invested more than €1,500,000 in its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme since 2018, which offers up-and-coming artisan Irish food and drink producers the chance to have their products listed in Aldi’s 142 stores. Grow with Aldi products will be on sale in Aldi stores later this year. Keep an eye on www.aldi.ie for more information.