TWO of the Island's most popular food and drink venues have had to close for a few days due to staff being pinged.

Hungry Bear in Brading is closed until at least Wednesday, and French Franks has had to close its Newport town centre branch until Wednesday, October 27.

Additionally, French Franks' Ryde branch is closed today (Sunday).

The business posted on Facebook: "Weekend opening and its a Halloween horror show I am afraid!

"Ryde is shut Sunday as we have been hit by absence this week. Newport town is shut now until Wednesday, October 27.

"It had to happen in the end, a positive Covid and two further full timers isolating is a wipe out. Hope they are all ok of course."

Hungry Bear said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have had to cancel all our bookings up to Wednesday.

"It's been a rollercoaster of a week but unfortunately due to team members having to isolate due to been pinged and waiting for test results we do not have enough staff to operate over the weekend.

"Its been a difficult decision but as business owners the safety of our guests and team is our top priority, even though we have not had an outbreak or any team member test positive (as yet), we are currently unable to operate.

"We hope that situation can be resolved by Wednesday all being well.

"The virus seems to be very prevalent on the Island at the moment. We have been lucky up to this point to have been unaffected by it.

"Please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience this will cause but your safety is paramount to us."

Read more: Latest Covid data for the Isle of Wight