Every evening at 6 O Clock WLR brings you the 6 biggest stories of the day
1. Hugging allowed for vaccinated people from Monday
The Chief Medical Officer says grandparents who've been vaccinated will be able to hug their grandchildren from Monday. While chief executive of the health service Paul Reid say he has “never felt a stronger moment of hope and optimism” as Covid-19 vaccines roll out across the country.
2. Covid-19: a breakdown of cases in your area of Waterford
The 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 has more than doubled in three areas of Waterford in the last fortnight. The latest figures show that the rates for Lismore, Dungarvan and Waterford City South local electoral areas have all jumped up. Meanwhile 4 additional deaths and 434 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed. There have been less than five new cases reported in Waterford,
3. Twitter suspends 8 more accounts linked to Eoghan Harris
Twitter has suspended eight additional accounts linked to the anonymous Twitter account Barbara J Pym, which regularly tweeted about Irish politics and journalism. Sunday Independent journalist Eoghan Harris has had his contract terminated by the paper after admitting to bosses that he was behind the fake account.
4. Sudocream production moved to Bulgaria but Waterford jobs safe
Over 100 jobs will be lost with the closure of the Sudocream factory in Dublin. Teva Pharmaceuticals informed staff yesterday that the Baldolye production facility will close. The company is relocating to Bulgaria at the end of 2022 but will continue to have a presence in Ireland with their plant in Waterford.
5. ‘Tree of hope’ planted for those affected by suicide
A Tree of Hope has been planted at the People’s Park in Waterford city to create a special place for people who have lost loved ones to suicide. The planting was organised by the Darkness into Light committee in Waterford ahead of tomorrow mornings walk. Meanwhile tonight’s Late Late will focus on the Darkness Into Light campaign with a range of high profile guests including stars from the worlds of movies, music and sport coming together to lend their support to Pieta House.
6. Patrick Dempsey raves about Ireland
American actor Patrick Dempsey, best known for playing Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd in Grey's Anatomy, has landed in Ireland and is already taken with the beauty of the countryside. He is in Ireland to film the Enchanted sequel with his co-star Amy Adams. He has posted a number of photos on his Instagram account including a video where he exclaims "This place is incredible!" We know Patrick.. we know!
