Holidaymakers at a hotel in Tenerife have been tested for the coronavirus after a confirmed case was identified.
Health officials are conducting tests in the resort of Adeje, according to Spain’s El Pais newspaper.
The action is being taken after an Italian tourist was admitted to hospital on the island, who has since tested positive for coronavirus.
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The affected person and came from Lombardy in northern Italy, one of the regions suffering from an outbreak of the virus.
Spanish media reported that around 1,000 guests have now been quarantined at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel.
A letter given to guests said: “We regret to inform you for health reasons the hotel has been closed down. Until the sanitary authorities warn, you must remain in your rooms.”
Canary Islands president Angel Victor Torres confirmed yesterday: “This afternoon the coronavirus protocol has been activated for an Italian tourist in the south of Tenerife.
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“The result from the first test carried out in the Canaries is positive. Tomorrow new tests will take place in Madrid. The patient has been quarantined.”
A spokesman for the regional health authority added: “The protocol states that a second test must take place at the National Microbiology Centre at the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid.
“The patient has been quarantined and is under the care of health workers.”
A Tui UK spokesperson said: “We’re aware of a reported case of Covid-19 at the H10 Palace Hotel in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.
“All guests have been asked to remain in their rooms and are being looked after by the hotel. Our holiday programme to Tenerife continues to operate as planned for all other hotels.
“We will provide a further update as soon as we have more information.”
A Jet 2 spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports that a non-Jet2holidays customer staying at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife has tested positive for coronavirus.
“Under the advice of the Regional and the Spanish government authorities, the hotel has been placed under quarantine.
“We have stopped all sales to the hotel, and customers who are due to travel to the hotel will be transferred to other accommodation. In line with the Forign & Commonwealth Office, our flying programme remains unchanged.
“The health and safety of our customers is our absolute priority, and we will continue to release more information as it becomes available.”
A statement from the hotel said: “Following the report of a possible coronavirus case detected in a customer from Italy, staying at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, H10 Hotels has implemented all health and operational recommendations from the health authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers and employees.
“Additionally, we are providing customers and hotel staff all the necessary care and attention so that, despite the inconveniences this situation may cause, they are taken care of in the best way possible.”