Coronavirus outbreak at pub where 200 drinkers were crammed in

An emergency testing centre will today open near a pub where drinkers had Covid-19 in an urgent bid to control a local outbreak.

Revellers and staff who have been in the Crown and Anchor, in Stone, Staffordshire, are being told to get swabs done – and anyone who has been in close contact with them is being encouraged to have a test.

And people who were out in Stone that night who have since displayed symptoms despite not going to the Crown and Anchor are being told to go along.

The mobile walk-in centre has been set up at Crown Street car park just a short distance from the Station Road boozer at the middle of the storm.

It will be open from 10am to 5pm today and Friday and no appointment is needed.

The news comes after a video of people packed in the beer garden ‘like sardines’ went viral after being posted on social media.

Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s director for public health said: ‘As part of our outbreak control duties, we are dealing with an outbreak at the Crown and Anchor pub in Stone.

‘It is important that anyone drinking or working in the pub on that weekend gets tested as soon as possible, which is why we’ve organised for a mobile testing unit to be in the town all day tomorrow and Friday.

‘We also want people who have been in close contact with anyone drinking in the pub on that weekend to get themselves tested, as well as people who were out and about in the town and are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms – namely a high temperature, new persistent cough or loss of taste and smell.

It is also crucial that people self-isolate if they are told to do so.

‘By getting tested, this gives us important information on the full extent of any outbreak, and allows us to put measures in place if needed to help prevent the spread of infection.

‘We’re doing everything we can to prevent outbreaks and stop the virus from spreading.

‘Residents can help by continuing to follow the rules to stop the spread of Covid-19 – washing hands regularly, keeping your distance, and wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport.’

The Crown and Anchor closed last weekend after saying it had been ‘overwhelmed’ the previous weekend. It has been told to carry out a risk assessment ahead of reopening.

Ayrron Robinson, who filmed the short clip from his window after becoming concerned about an apparent lack of social distancing, was glad that the authorities have taken action.

The 31-year-old, who has lived opposite the pub for four years, said: ‘It’s sensible that the council is acting and taking it seriously but it’s a shame that it’s gone this far.

‘I was very concerned by the amount of people who were there – at least 200. With a bit of luck the virus won’t have spread too far and turn into a big outbreak.

‘If we do have to go into local lockdown then the pub has a lot to answer for.

‘It’s been the talk of the town for some time now and even the local Covid Facebook group was telling people to get tested.’

No-one at the pub was available for comment.