Hotel for golf stars at Irish Open hit by virus
Galgorm resort undergoes stringent deep clean after two staff members test positive
THE luxury hotel where some of the world’s top golfers will be staying during next month’s Irish Open has confirmed two staff members have tested positive for coronavirus.
Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort in Co Antrim said it had increased safety measures for guests and staff amid concerns of an increase of Covid-19 cases and had “stringent protocols” in place should more cases emerge.
THE luxury Co Antrim hotel where some of the world’s top golfers will stay during next month’s Irish Open has confirmed that two staff members have tested positive for Covid-19.
Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort said it had increased safety measures for guests and staff amid concerns over of an increase of coronavirus cases.
The company said that “following its own robust testing procedures”, two asymptomatic team members who tested positive last Thursday “have been self-isolating at home, in line with company policy”.
The employees affected were back-of-house and had no contact with guests, it said.
The resort just outside Cullybackey said management was in communication with the staff who tested positive to provide them with support
Both will be tested again prior to a return to work.
The company said it had already tested almost 300 staff and would continue to conduct random testing.
The Northern Ireland Open will also be played at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort from September 3 to 6, with the Irish Open happening just over two weeks later.
Originally scheduled for Mount Juliet in Kilkenny in May, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open was postponed because of the pandemic.
The requirement by the Irish government that all visitors from the US restrict their movements for 14 days would have decimated the field.
But six days ago, it was announced that it would be held behind closed doors at Galgorm Castle near Ballymena. The European Tour praised Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort for stepping up as hosts.
By heading to Northern Ireland, players would be able to travel directly to a UK airport and tee up in one of the European Tour’s flagship events.
It would also mean those participating in the previous week’s US Open would be able to play.
However, Co Down’s Rory Mcilroy yesterday ruled himself out of playing.
“I’m planning to stay in the States. I don’t see myself travelling internationally for a while,” he said.
The 31 year old added: “It might be different if there could be fans there and stuff, but it’s behind closed doors and it’s not an Irish Open like we’re used to it being the last few years with obviously big prize funds and everything.
“But not even that, (it’s) just the fact that I just want to spend time at home and not travel too much the next few months.”
Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort became one of the UK’S first hospitality businesses to secure the new AA Covid Confident Mark ahead of reopening in late July.
Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston said: “We share the concerns around the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases and, like many employers in the area, we have been monitoring this extremely closely. In response, we have already put additional measures in place.
“Last week, we moved to the next phase of our agreed comprehensive hygiene commitment plan, which includes increased random testing of team members who continue to operate within team bubbles.
“In addition, we are also the first company in Northern Ireland to introduce a Mistpal Cleansing Tunnel for team members and guests entering the resort for further safety reassurance.
“This is in addition to already established measures including a nightly full deep-clean of all areas with hospital-grade sanitiser protectant and decontamination equipment, thermal temperature monitoring, provision of hand sanitisers in all areas and adherence to recommended social distancing guidelines.”
Mr Johnston said the health and safety of staff and guests was paramount “and we are grateful for their continued support and also to those guests who have rescheduled their stay as a result of the robust pre-entry testing measures we have in place”.