Northern Ireland

Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort confirms two staff test positive for Covid-19

The Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort near Ballymena has confirmed that two staff members have tested positive for Covid-19.

The luxury resort is set to host golf's Irish Open next month. 

The company said that "following its own robust testing procedures", two asymptomatic team members who tested positive last Thursday. The staff "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’s senior team remains in regular communication with those impacted to provide support and a further test will be carried out with both team members 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 be played at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort from September 3 to 6, with the Irish Open happening just over two weeks later, behing closed doors.

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.”