The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Safety first is key to success
VISITORS returning to Kerry as the COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease can be assured that it is a safe destination to visit and stay thanks to a new Safe Destination Programme, which involves the training of thousands of staff in the retail and hospitality industries in best-practice cleaning protocols.
The ‘Safe Destination Kerry’ Programme, in association with Kerry County Council, Kerry Education and Training Board, the Kerry Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, and the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, has published details of a new ‘Safe Destination’ badge, which will be displayed in premises where staff have undergone specialised training on cleanliness, hygiene and customer interaction in the COVID-19 environment.
Up to 3,000 staff in the tourism and retail industries in the county are participating in training, which has been devised and is being provided by the Kerry Education and Training Board. The aim is to ensure that Kerry tourism and retail staff are trained in infection prevention, hygiene and cleanliness to the highest international standards as they reopen for business.
To receive the ‘Safe Destination’ designation, businesses must register with Kerry County Council to take part in the training course. When their participation in the training is verified by the Kerry Education and Training Board, which is delivering the training, the business will receive their ‘Safe Destination’ badge and signage.
Chief Executive of the Kerry Education and Training Board Colm McEvoy said that the course will see businesses reopen safely: “The Kerry College training courses address the practical steps which staff need to take to be in line with the relevant guidelines and social distancing practices. The response from participants has been positive. The courses are being organised through the New Kerry College Business Support Unit and are being rolled out online. Kerry ETB is delighted with the involvement of Kerry College in the delivery of this programme, which we hope will make a positive contribution to the reopening of businesses through the county.”
Kerry County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell said this will help visitors to the county feel safe and secure.
‘This is about reassuring people who visit a hotel, a restaurant, a shop or any other premises that they can do so in the knowledge that staff have been trained to a high standard on how to deal with customers in the new environment. While staff across Kerry are already well trained to a high standard, this is an added layer of specialised training to take account of COVID-19. We want people to feel comfortable and safe when they visit the county as the local economy continues to be reopened and while certain restrictions remain in the interests of public safety.”
Chairman Kerry Tourism Industry Federation Pat O’Leary and President of the Kerry Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, Bernadette Randles have also welcomed the initiative:
“As a sector, we are delighted to be piloting this training programme with Kerry County Council and the Kerry Education and Training Board,” Ms Randles said.
Businesses and staff interested in participating in the training can register with Kerry County Council on its freephone Business Support Line on 1800 807 102, or by e-mailing business.support@kerrycoco.ie.