Cork hotel to close temporarily as member of staff tests positive for Covid-19

A CORK hotel has been forced to close for a number of days after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

The Gougane Barra Hotel has announced its temporary closure stating that they had “no choice” but to shut their business for ten days after a fully vaccinated member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

In a social media post, the family-run business stated that the member of staff is experiencing strong symptoms with other members of the team now requiring testing due to them being deemed close contacts.

Given the size of their team, and their operation as a family business, the hotel said they had no choice but to close temporarily.

They said that the decision to close was not made lightly.

“This decision has not been made lightly but we have taken HSE advice and hotel Covid-19 policy into consideration and this is the responsible step we must take.

“HSE are in control of the situation. All guests with bookings during this time have been contacted.” 

The hotel said that their main priority is the safety of those “who share this special place with us”.

COVID-19 update

Tabhair aire,
Neil, Katy, the Lucey Family and the Gougane Barra Hotel Team pic.twitter.com/cEJGUDcbq5

— Gougane Barra Hotel (@gouganebarra) September 19, 2021

They said they are hoping to have clearance from the HSE to reopen on 26 September and are disappointed by the news.

“We have been overwhelmed with the support and patience of our guests since the beginning of the pandemic. 

"We are disappointed with this development and look forward to welcoming you back once we know it is safe for everyone."