The NPHET is meeting today to discuss whether now is the right time for the wearing of face masks. It seems likely that the facial coverings will become more prevalent particularly for those using airports. So where can you get masks and can you make them yourself? What are the pros and cons of cloth vs' surgical masks for self protection?
We speak to a number of Waterford produces who are now making masks including Beibhinn McGrath, owner of Beibhinn on the quays in Waterford, who makes bespoke linen and wool clothing. She is inundated with demands for her linen masks. And we speak to John Molloy from Azzurri who have also adapted their business to make masks.
We hear from more relatives of Irish soldiers in The Lebanon who are concerned about whether loves ones will return home.
Are people drinking more since the lockdown came into place? A report from the CSO in recent days has found that 21% of men and 23% of women have increased their alcohol intake during the pandemic. We discuss this with Declan Brady, the owner of World Wide Wines.
The owners of Hanora's Cottage Mary Wall and her son Owen tell Damien how they have been keeping occupied since the lockdown, making Christmas puddings and mince pies and planning for their reopening.
Will weddings happen this year? Government guidelines say 'small' social gatherings can take place from July 20th but even after August 10th large weddings will be restricted. Damien speaks to Naoise McNally editor of wedding website 'One Fab Day'.
Michael Fewer reads some of his beautifully written diaries, observed from his homes in south Dublin and rural Waterford, in which he delights at the startling beauty and extraordinary complexity of the natural world through the tranquil rhythms of the passing seasons.
And as charity ALONE report an 850% spike in the number of calls to their helpline, Damien chats to Bernadette Philips from the Older People's Council in Waterford.
