A popular Kilkenny hotel has been forced to close for a number of days after a Covid-19 outbreak among staff.
Four workers at the Newpark Hotel in the City tested positive for the virus last week.
The staff members reported feeling unwell and are now self-isolating.
Hotel management decided to close the premises from today, Monday, until Friday in line with health measures.
They hope to be open and operating as normal again from Friday onwards.
Anyone with bookings this week is asked to contact the hotel for more information.
A hotel spokesperson said: "Newpark Hotel Kilkenny can confirm that four of our staff at the hotel have recently tested positive for Covid-19.The staff members concerned advised the management team after feeling unwell and are now self-isolating.
"We wish our valued staff a full and speedy recovery and are actively supporting them at this time. The Newpark Hotel is following all appropriate best practice protocols and has been liaising with the HSE throughout.
"The Flynn Hotel Collection and the management of the Newpark Hotel have independently, and purely as a precautionary measure, taken the decision in the interest of our staff and guests to close the hotel for a number of days for staff roster realignment ahead of reopening.
"That decision and the process of closing began this morning and the Newpark Hotel will now be closed from tomorrow, Monday October 5, until Friday October 9.This decision by the Flynn Hotel Collection to temporarily close the Newpark Hotel, although not taken lightly, is in line with our Because We Care programme (BWC).
"From the outset of the Covid-19 outbreak, central to that programme is to — where possible — go further than HSE or industry guidelines and to always put the wellbeing of our staff and guests first.
"This remains a fundamental priority during these challenging times. Management and the team at the Newpark Hotel look forward to welcoming the public back on Friday October 9."
