THE rate of positive cases of Covid-19 in the Derry and Strabane area is now almost three times the Northern Ireland-wide figure, according to the Department of Health.
Latest figures show the area rate at 235 cases per 100,000 people while the Northern Ireland rate is 80 per 100,000.
For many months the north west reported the lowest rates of infection. However, the figures in Derry, Tyrone and Donegal have spiked in the last three weeks.
In the last week alone, nine people have been admitted to Altnagelvin hospital for treatment for the virus.
There are now growing concerns that more restrictions will be introduced on the northern side of the border following the Level 3 restrictions imposed in Donegal at the weekend.
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said today further restrictions were inevitable. He called on everyone to restrict their movements and to stay away from vulnerable people.
A number of well-known Derry bars, restaurants and hotels have also been forced to close temporarily after members of staff tested positive for the coronavirus.
The city’s Bishop’s Gate hotel closed yesterday and will re-open tomorrow afternoon following a deep clean after three members of staff tested positive.
In a post on social media, the hotel said: “As a responsible business and employer, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close Bishop’s Gate hotel for 48 hours. We plan to re-open on Wednesday 30 September at 5pm.”
The city centre’s Metro Bar and Guildhall Taphouse Bar also reported closures. A spokesman for the Metro Bar said all staff would be tested for coronavirus.
He said: “As a duty of care we have closed our venue immediately to deep clean. The Metro Bar has taken all measures possible to provide our staff and customers with a safe environment.”
The popular Da Vinci’s hotel – owned by well-known businessman, Garvan O’Doherty – confirmed two employees tested positive on Sunday September 27. Management assured the public it would continue to follow all government guidelines.
Derry’s Gwyn’s Restaurant at Brooke Park said it had no option but to close after a staff member tested positive.
In a social media post, the restaurant manager said: “At this stage I feel I’m fighting a losing battle. My team feel they cannot continue to work until they have been tested so this means I have no option but to close.”
The restaurant hopes to have “better news” in the coming days.
