A RISE in Covid-19 cases has seen a number of Chester city centre venues temporarily close their doors.

Earlier this week, we reported that The Townhouse Hotel and its Secret Garden bar and restaurant was shut due to an outbreak, while Stile Napoletano also had to close after a member of staff came into contact with someone who had tested positive.

Today, Swiss restaurant Zuger's of Chester became the latest to announce that it was having to temporarily shut due to a colleague coming into contact with a positive case.

It comes after Opera Grill confirmed it would be shut until June 22 due to a "small number of positive cases".

Meanwhile, Popcorn announced that it had taken the decision to close for a couple of days to protect staff and customers amid an increase in Covid-19 cases in the region as a result of the Delta variant.

Zuger's posted on its Facebook page this morning: "Unfortunately we have had to close the shop. A member of our staff has come into contact with someone who has tested positive so as a precaution we wanted to give everyone who doesn't have to isolate the chance to get a test so we can return safely.

"Sorry for any inconvenience caused and we look forward to seeing you very soon."

Opera Grill posted on Sunday: "To all of our lovely guests, we have taken careful consideration for all of our guests and staff safety and have therefore taken the decision to close our restaurant until next Tuesday 22 June due to a small number of positive cases of Covid-19.

"Whilst this is a very isolated incident, we feel that your safety and our staff members is number one priority which is why, although with a heavy heart, we feel this is the correct decision to make.

"During this period our staff will be self isolating in accordance with government guidelines. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, however your safety is our priority.

"If you have a reservation with us during this time, we will be making contact with you to reschedule your reservation but please bare with us. We look forward to seeing you all soon."

Popcorn shared the following message via its social media pages: "We are closing for a couple of days to protect the safety of both staff and customers from the high rates in the North West.

"Stay safe and see you all on Friday!"

It was announced on Monday that Cheshire West and Chester – along with Birmingham, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Liverpool City Region and Warrington – would be made an "Enhanced Response Area", meaning it will be given more support for surge testing, tracing, isolation and maximising vaccine uptake.

The support package, which is the same as what was announced for Greater Manchester and Lancashire last week, is being provided due to a rise in the number of cases of the Delta variant in these areas, a Government spokesman said.