Image copyright
Google
The Fox and Hounds in Batley, West Yorkshire, said a customer phoned to say they had tested positive for coronavirus
A number of pubs in England have shut after customers tested positive for coronavirus.
At least three establishments announced they had shut their doors again just days after reopening at the weekend.
They were among hundreds of venues – most apparently with no problems – that welcomed customers after three months as lockdown measures were eased.
But crowds descending in some towns and cities prompted fears social distancing was being disregarded.
The Lighthouse Kitchen and Carvery in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, said it was “slowly” working through a list of customers who had left details at the weekend and staff were awaiting their own test results.
Media playback is unsupported on your device
In Batley, West Yorkshire, the Fox and Hounds said a customer had phoned to say they had tested positive for coronavirus.
Meanwhile the landlord of the Village Home Pub in Alverstoke, Hampshire, said his team were awaiting test results after someone in a member of staff’s “family bubble” tested positive.
In Burnham, Indian takeaway Saagar said it would be closing until Friday to undergo a deep clean after one if its drivers had been to the Lighthouse Kitchen, along with bar the Vape Escape, which has also closed for a full clean after a customer’s positive test.
Saagar takeaway in Burnham will be closed until Friday
Leanne Underhill, owner of the Vape Escape, told burnham-on-sea.com all staff tests had been negative and customers in the bar on Saturday have been contacted, in accordance with government advice.
Somerset County Council said it was not treating the case as an “outbreak” and asked people to keep to social distancing guidelines and to regularly wash their hands.
The Fox and Hounds said staff had taken tests and the venue would be deep-cleaned prior to reopening.
The Batley pub said it had taken a number of measures ahead of Saturday’s reopening, including limiting numbers allowed inside, a one-way system around the building and a one-in one-out policy on use of toilets.
Some people on the pub’s Facebook group suggested the customer who contacted the pub after testing positive could have been a fake, however many other customers praised staff for responding so quickly.
The Lighthouse Kitchen and Carvery in Burnham said it was contacting customers
Customers of the Village Home who had visited at the weekend have been told there was “no need to isolate” unless they showed symptoms or were contacted by tracers.
Landlord Robby Roberts said: “A member of staff, one of my barmaids, has someone in her family bubble who has tested positive.”
He said she was on shift on Saturday when the pub was open for 11-and-a-half hours and about 150 customers visited.
“All five staff who were on shift on Saturday have now been tested and we are waiting for the results. The pub is being deep cleaned and I have contacted the council. I am awaiting advice from them,” added Mr Roberts.
All three pubs had previously posted about implementing new social distancing and safety guidelines in line with government advice.
Image copyright
Google
The Village Home Pub in Alverstoke hopes to reopen on Saturday but the decision will depend on advice from the council
Crowds were seen across England on “Super Saturday”, as thousands flocked to enjoy a pint.
There were reports of arrests and early venue closures around the country, but police said a majority of people had acted responsibly.
UK pub and hospitality trade bodies have published guidance for bars and restaurants on how to operate contact tracing.
Contact details only need to be taken from one person in a group and must be kept for 21 days.
Owners are also asked to note the arrival times of customers and how long they stay. People can refuse to give information, but owners can choose not to serve them.
