Coronavirus case increase was always a risk as people started socialising health boss says after pub closures

South Tyneside Council has said it working closely with Public Health England after a number of pubs in the borough have taken the decision to close following confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Jarrow pub The Lakeside Inn announced on Wednesday, August 26, that is was temporarily closing for a deep clean after two staff members tested positive for coronavirus.

South Tyneside Council has said that it is now aware of four confirmed cases of Covid-19 associated with The Lakeside.

Just a day later, on Thursday, August 27, South Shields pub The Life of Riley confirmed it was closing for a deep clean after a customer tested positive for coronavirus.

East Boldon pub Beggar’s Bridge has also closed for a deep clean on Thursday, August 27, after a customer who visited the pub on Sunday, August 23, tested positive for coronavirus.

Now South Tyneside Council has said that as people start socialising again ‘these situations were always at risk of happening.’

Tom Hall, Director of Public Health, said: “We have been made aware of four laboratory confirmed cases of Covid-19 associated with The Lakeside and we are working closely with Public Health England to manage the situation.

"The pub has since voluntarily closed for a deep clean and for staffing reasons, and NHS Test and Trace has been completed.

“While we understand people may be concerned by this news, these situations were always at risk of happening as people get out and about again and start socialising, and we’ve seen this happening across the country."

The authority has stressed the importance of handwashing and social distancing to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions.

Those then identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must isolate for 14 days.

Tom Hall, Director of Public Health, continued: "We would encourage everyone to continue to follow the guidance around social distancing and handwashing.

"Anyone displaying symptoms should self isolate and get a test by visiting nhs.co.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

“Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions.

"People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms.

"People self isolating, but not displaying symptoms, do not need to get tested.

“If you do go out and about, keep doing the simple things to reduce your risk; particularly washing your hands and keeping 2m apart from others.

"This will help protect you, your family and your community."

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