ROCKWATER will be closing its doors after a large number of staff tested positive for coronavirus or were told to self-isolate.

The boss of the Hove seafront venue said about ten workers over the past week have tested positive and roughly 40 have been contacted by track and trace.

As a result, the venue has made the decision to close today and tomorrow.

Luke Davis said: "There was a concern for the welfare of our staff so we're closing the business to give us enough time for deep clean and to get a grip on the situation."

The Argus:

Rockwater employs about 270 staff and many are of an age which makes them less likely to have had a Covid vaccine.

Coronavirus rates in Brighton and Hove in young residents have risen dramatically over the last two weeks.

As of June 22, the rate in ages between 15-19 is 441 cases per 100,000 residents.

The rate in ages between 20-24 is now 467.

That is compared to the England average which is now 119.

Mr Davis said his business was under no legal obligation to close, but is doing so as a "precautionary measure".

A statement from the venue reads: "With the growing number of Covid cases highlighted in the Brighton and Hove area, with regret, we have taken the decision to close on Monday 28 and Tuesday June 29 as a precautionary measure in order to prioritise the safety of both our guests and our team.

"We’ll take this time to deep clean all areas of Rockwater, allow time for our team members to undergo PCR tests and to reopen with Covid safety as our priority.

"We are contacting anyone who has a reservation with us during this time to rearrange the booking.

"If you were due to attend an event with us over these two days, or a Rockwater Life class, please note these are also being cancelled. For Rockwater Life classes, individual instructors will be in touch directly.

"We look forward to seeing you when we reopen our doors again on Wednesday, June 30."