Eight drinkers test positive for Covid after pub is closed

A pub has closed for two weeks after eight drinkers tested positive for coronavirus – with other customers now urged to self-isolate. 

Those who visited the Empire Club in Stanley, County Durham between August 9 and 11 should self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their visit, authorities say.   

Council staff have been working with Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace since the first suspected cases came to light over the weekend.

Visitors to the Empire Club are advised to take a coronavirus test if they have any Covid-19 symptoms and to continue to self-isolate regardless of the result.     

The working men’s club has been ordered shut by PHE while three others in Stanley closed of their own accord after they were linked to virus cases. 

The Phoenix Club, The Ball Alley and East Stanley Working Men’s Club all closed to customers over the weekend.

It is understood a customer who tested positive for Covid-19 visited both the Empire Club and the East Stanley Working Men’s Club over the three-day period.

Announcing its closure on Saturday, a spokesman for the Ball Alley said: ‘It has come to our attention that one of our regular customers has tested positive for coronavirus, with no symptoms.

‘Those that have been in close contact have been informed.

‘Due to this information we have taken the difficult decision to close down the pub for a deep clean and so we can all be tested. Therefore the pub will be closed until further notice.’

A spokesman for the Phoenix Club said: ‘Due to a customer testing positive we are going to close the club and get it deep cleaned before reopening.’      

Amanda Healy, director of public health for County Durham, said: ‘It is really important that anyone who visited the Stanley Empire Club on 9, 10 and 11 August self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their visit, along with the rest of their household, to reduce the risk of onward transmission.

‘We are also encouraging anyone who visited the club who has symptoms to book a coronavirus test as well. 

‘However, it is crucial that even if they get a negative result they continue to self-isolate for 14 days as symptoms can take up to 14 days to develop.

‘A negative test today can be a positive test tomorrow.’    

Ms Healy added: ‘We would like to thank people in Stanley for working with us in recent days, in particular the Empire Club and other venues.

‘Local residents have really helped us raise awareness of the need for anyone who visited the club to self-isolate along with the rest of their household and we know of people who are following this advice as a result.

‘It is really important that we all do everything we can to reduce further transmission for the benefit of people’s health and also the local economy in terms of ensuring residents and businesses do not need to undergo any form of local lockdown.’

A community awareness programme has been launched in Stanley with posters to share messages to those who visited the club, reminders of how to stay safe during the pandemic as well as advice and guidance for local businesses about keeping staff and customers safe.

Ms Healy said: ‘It is vital to remember that the power to protect our loved ones, friends and neighbours lies in all of our hands. 

‘If we all follow the simple steps of Hands, Face, Space – washing our hands often for 20 seconds, covering our face in public buildings and staying two metres apart when possible – then we will all be doing our bit to halt the spread of this virus.

‘Coronavirus could hit any of us, but by working together to stay safe we can limit its impact.’