Virus outbreak at UK resort as company ‘pressured to self-isolate of their rooms’

The Abbey Lawn Hotel, in Torquay, has confirmed 28 people reported symptoms of the illness believed to be norovirus and had to ask guests to quarantine in their rooms

A Devon hotel has gone into deep-cleaning mode after a norovirus outbreak left guests quarantined in their rooms.

The Abbey Lawn Hotel in Torquay was hit with 28 guests coming down with symptoms of the dreaded bug, believed to be norovirus. A video from one of the quarantined guests shows tea and coffee supplies being hung on door handles as a makeshift room service.

A pal of the guest reported: “Guests are having to self isolate due to sickness.” Despite the outbreak, the hotel claims most guests were spared and that they’ve taken “comprehensive action” to nip the issue in the bud.

Daish’s Holidays, the company behind the hotel, issued a statement saying: “We would like to reassure guests and the wider community that swift and comprehensive action has been taken following recent reports of sickness at the Abbey Lawn Hotel.

“None of the guests affected required medical support or hospitalisation, the situation was contained, and the hotel has not been closed. There have been no further reports of sickness in the last 24 hours,” reports DevonLive.

They added: “A full deep clean of the hotel has been carried out as part of our rigorous hygiene protocols, and we continue to follow strict health and safety measures, approved by Public Health England.

“We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and care and look forward to continuing to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.”

The hotel confirmed most of those affected had arrived on the same coach on March 30. The remaining 84 guests were reportedly unaffected.

The bags seen in the video contained fresh items such as tea, coffee, milk and water for the hotel guests. Hotel management liaised with officials from the UK Health Security Agency on April 1 when the majority of cases were reported.

The hotel assured its team adhered to the procedures advised by the agency and that they couldn’t have done more beyond the measures already implemented.

The Mirror has reached out to the Abbey Lawn Hotel for a comment via email.

So, what is norovirus?

Also known as the vomiting bug, norovirus is a stomach virus that can be extremely unpleasant, causing feelings of nausea, according to the NHS. Symptoms of norovirus can include:

• Feeling sick
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Diarrhoea

You may also experience:

• A high temperature
• A headache
• Tummy pain
• Body aches and pains

Although it’s often referred to as the winter vomiting bug, you can catch norovirus at any time of the year. If you or your child contract norovirus, it can usually be treated at home.

People generally start to feel better within two to three days. Diarrhoea and vomiting can typically be managed at home.

The key is to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration.