Public health officials in Arlington have approved the reopening of the Crystal City Hyatt, where the gastrointestinal ailment norovirus sickened guests and hotel employees last week.
“Arlington Public Health concluded its inspections of the hotel today and has cleared the hotel to reopen,” Arlington spokeswoman Diana Sun wrote in an e-mail Tuesday. “It is our understanding that the hotel is prepared to accept guests now.”
“Arlington Public Health inspectors have inspected all restaurants and food preparation areas, as well as bar areas. All are approved to reopen,” she added.
The hotel was closed Thursday after norovirus was detected. Guests began reporting illness Feb. 26.
Hotel general manager Jean-Marc Dizarb told The Examiner the virus sickened about 150 guests and three hotel employees. Guests were given the option of staying at the hotel while the virus passed.
Symptoms of norovirus – which is caused by consuming contaminated food or water – include stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases, the contagious illness passes in two to three days.
This is the second outbreak of the virus in Northern Virginia this year and the third in the Washington region in the past four months. Earlier this year, approximately 100 guests and employees fell ill during an outbreak at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport. In December, students at Catholic University in the District became sick with the virus.
