20 who stayed at midlands hotel test positive

Some 20 people who were guests at an Offaly hotel have tested positive for coronavirus.

The 20 are believed to have been part of an overall group of some 40 guests who stayed at the Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore last week.

The HSE has written to GPs in the area advising them of the cluster.

In a statement the Bridge House Hotel said “regrettably, we confirm that we have been notified by the HSE of a confirmed cluster in a group of guests who stayed at our hotel last week.”

The hotel said since reopening it had worked tirelessly to ensure a safe environment in line with all the Government public health guidance.

It said it was working closely with and co-operating fully with the HSE and that all potential close contacts are being contacted by the HSE.

All staff members are also being tested as a precautionary measures.

The hotel added that in the interest of health and safety it had decided to close the hotel temporarily as a further additional measure.