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The Tullamore Covid-19 outbreak that saw 20 guests of The Bridge House Hotel test positive for the virus was only discovered due to the sudden death of one of the guests, it has been revealed.
Last night it was reported that 20 people out of a group of 40 affiliated with the Entertainers Golf Society tested positive for coronavirus during a hotel stay during a golf break.
The society revealed today on RTÉ Radio 1 Liveline that the group was only tested after one of its members died suddenly and unexpectedly at the hotel.
A subsequent medical examination showed that the woman tested positive for Covid-19. It is believed that the virus was not related to the death of the woman.
All members of the group were then tested and half of the 40-person contingent tested positive for the virus.
The group had stayed at the premises from September 6 to 10.
In a statement, the group said: “For the past sixteen years, our group has been traveling to Tullamore annually for a few days of rest, relaxation and golf. This year, obviously due to the restrictions involving Covid-19, we all traveled separately, maintained social distance, and took all the precautions indicated by the hotel, the two golf clubs that some of our group visited, and the pub and restaurant. that we visit as a group.
“Unfortunately and tragically, one of our dear friends died suddenly and unexpectedly at the hotel.
“A subsequent medical examination discovered that our dear friend had Covid, but this was not related to her death. When we were informed, we all immediately isolated ourselves and gave the HSE complete information about the place we had visited, including the name of the restaurant and pub.
“We have been tested by the HSE and up to 20 of our group, unfortunately, tested positive for this terrible disease. We want to assure Liveline listeners that we adhere to the HSE guidelines on Covid-19 at all times. “
The group expressed their sincere thanks to the hotel and HSE, as well as their deepest condolences to the husband of the recently deceased woman.
The hotel issued a statement to the Irish Independent “regrettably” confirming the group.
The hotel said: “The health and safety of employees and guests is the number one priority for our hotel.
“Since reopening, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a safe environment in line with all government public health guidelines, including those from the Department of Health and HSE.
“Unfortunately, however, we confirm that the HSE has notified us of a confirmed group in a group of guests who stayed at our hotel last week.
“We are working closely and cooperating fully with the HSE.
“All potential close contacts are being contacted by the HSE.”
The Irish Independent has seen what is believed to be an HSE correspondence detailing the outbreak.
The correspondence was sent by a senior HSE staff member to the GPs in Tullamore, to warn of a “significant Covid-19 incident in Tullamore.”
The correspondence noted that the group had also played golf in the area and socialized at various bars and a restaurant.
“Currently, the infection is limited to this group,” the email says.
“If, from testing, new notifications, and additional history, we determine that there is transmission of infection beyond this group … (they will be asked to) contact their GP …”
He added that a “significant number of people in the Tullamore community” were “likely” to contact their GPs with consultations.
GPs were asked to tell anyone other than the people already contacted, that they were concerned about having symptoms, to isolate themselves and be sent for testing.
The Offaly Express reported that local sources had told it that most of the guests were from Dublin.
Fianna Fáil Tullamore Councilor Tony McCormack said: “We are coming out of lockdown. “Offaly was badly affected. Pubs, hotels and restaurants are great contributors to the economy and are the fabric of society.
“Hopefully, due to this incident, we will not have an increase in the numbers at Offaly and we will not have a third block.
“It would be a terrible shame for companies closed for so long if we closed again.
“It would be terrible for family businesses, but let’s be positive about this and hope that it has not spread and we can contain the outbreak.
“We need to focus on testing anyone who is in contact with those people and making sure the contact tracing is done correctly.”
Online editors
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