Devon hotel closed after norovirus outbreak

A sickness and diarrhoea norovirus bug has forced the closure of a Devon hotel this weekend.

At least 12 holidaymakers have fallen ill at the Bay Torbay Hotel in Torquay, and the three-star premises have decided to close for a "deep clean".

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The hotel, which has 111 rooms and a swimming pool, will close from Friday to Monday, after residents reported that the illness has ruined their Easter break.

According to the BBC, a spokesperson for the hotel said: "We have chosen to close the hotel for a short period this weekend as a precautionary measure so that we can carry out a deep clean.

"All guests who were due to arrive on Friday will be relocated to a sister hotel close by, and the Bay Torbay Hotel will be reopen as usual from Monday onwards."

A spokesman for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust told the Plymouth Herald: "At present we are seeing an increase in influenza (flu) and norovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting) circulating in our community. We can confirm that as a result, a small number of our hospital wards are currently affected by either flu or norovirus. In addition, some of our community hospitals have restrictions in place regarding discharges, admissions and visiting because of norovirus.

"Staff in clinical areas, our infection control team and cleaning team are working to deal with the outbreak. However the cooperation of visitors will help us bring these outbreaks to an end.

"The most effective way to avoid infection is through good hand washing, using a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and using soap and warm water rather than special hand-gels, particularly after using the toilet and before eating and drinking anything. This is especially important if others in the house are unwell."