Guests at a Wigan hotel have been told to stay inside their rooms following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the venue.
All those staying at the Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel will have to self-isolate for 'at least two weeks' after four guests tested positive for coronavirus.
One couple claim staff are guarding hallways to ensure people stay inside their rooms while meals are being left outside doors.
They were provided temporary accommodation at the Orchard Street hotel by Wigan Council around three weeks ago.
They said they returned from work to be told there had been a coronavirus outbreak among guests on Thursday (October 1).
The couple claim they were told to stay inside their room for 'at least 14 days' – forcing them to miss work.
They fear they will be out of pocket as a result.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , one of the pair, who works at a nursery, said she feels ‘betrayed’ after abiding to lockdown rules.
“I work with children and have had my life at risk. We followed lockdown rules. We feel betrayed,” she said.
“They have people at the end of every hallway to make sure people stay in their room.
“There are two security guards on the gates downstairs and staff are wearing full PPE.
“They provide three meals a day and drop it off at the door and knock at the door.”
The other, who works in Liverpool, described the situation as “frustrating”.
He said: “It is a bit frustrating to be honest. We’re going to be in one room where we’ve literally just got a kettle, a shower and a toilet.
“The window only opens a tiny bit. There’s nothing we can do about it.
“It’s a massive inconvenience because I’m unpaid for two weeks. I’m completely out of pocket until I start work again.”
On quarantining, he added: “They said max 14 days but they’re not sure at all on it.”
Joanne Willmott, Wigan Council’s assistant director for provider management and market development, said: “All residents in The Mercure have been asked to self-isolate following four positive cases.
“Track and trace has been undertaken and staff will continue to support individuals in any way they can with food delivered direct to the door to minimise contact with others.
“We have spoken to the couple about their situation and offered to speak to their employer to find a possible solution.
“We understand the frustrations it can cause but we must advise residents to follow the latest health advice, just like the wider public, which means they should stay indoors and self-isolate so we can reduce the risk of spreading of coronavirus in the borough.”
Accor and Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel have been approached for comment.
