Derry bars, restaurants and a hotel all CLOSED because of COVID-19 outbreak

The north west of Ireland, namely Derry and Donegal, is thought by experts to have one of the highest coronavirus infection rates on the island.

On Monday afternoon, Bishop’s Gate Hotel announced it would close at 12.00pm and would not reopen until 5.00pm on Wednesday after three members of staff tested positive for COVID-19.

“We consistently assess our staff for Covid-19 and unfortunately three members of staff have now tested positive for Covid-19 and are self-isolating in line with government regulations,” wrote the hotel on social media on Monday.

“As a responsible business and employer, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close Bishop’s Gate Hotel for 48 hours.

“We plan to reopen on Wednesday 30 September at 5pm.

“Should you have any queries, do not hesitate to get in touch by email: [email protected].”

Local bar, the Metro, which is only a few hundred metres away from Bishops’s Gate Hotel, also announced a temporary closure after one employee tested positive for the virus.

“We have just been informed that a member of our staff has tested positive for COVID 19,” wrote the Metro on social media.

“All our staff members will now be tested and return to work when possible.

“As a duty of care we have closed our venue immediately to deep clean.

“The Metro Bar has taken all measures possible to provide our staff and customers with a safe environment.

“We will reopen tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6.00pm.”

Literally around the corner from the Metro is the Guildhall Taphouse - they too reported one its bar staff had tested positive and the premises would remain closed until further notice.

On Sunday, Da Vinci’s Hotel reported two of its employees had tested positive for COVID-19 however the business did not spell out if they were closing, like many other businesses, to carry out an enhanced clean.

“Two of our staff have tested positive for COVID-19,” said Da Vinci’s Hotel on social media.

“We want to ensure all our customers that Da Vinci’s has religiously followed government guidelines in relation to COVID-19 safety measures and in relation to this incident.

“We will continue to ensure that the hotel is as safe as it possibly can be for both our staff and customers.”