Jarrow pub The Lakeside Inn postpones Bank Holiday gig as it remains closed after staff test positive for coronavirus

The Lakeside Inn announced on Wednesday, August 26, that it had decided to close for a deep clean after two of its staff members tested positive for Covid-19.

South Tyneside Council later confirmed on Thursday, August 29, that it was aware of four confirmed cases of Covid-19 associated with The Lakeside.

The pub had been gearing up for a busy Bank Holiday weekend, with live music from band The Good Souls who had been due to play a sold-out gig outside the venue on Sunday, August 30.

But following the closure, The Lakeside confirmed on its social media that the gig had been postponed, with the band now set to perform at Dougie’s Tavern in Hebburn, tonight, August 30, at 6pm.

A message on the band’s Facebook page said: “Putting the safety of the public first, unfortunately our gig at The Lakeside has been postponed until further notice.

"Please contact the pub for information on obtaining your refund.

“We wish the bar all the best reopening and getting back to some sort of normality.”

The Lakeside Inn said on its Facebook page: "So sorry to announce we have postponed Sunday’s gig we will offer full refunds to all that have paid.

"Sorry again and thank you for your co operation.”

The venue also cancelled its ‘Princess and Superhero Garden Breakfast’ event on Saturday, August 29.

In a message on its Facebook page, The Lakeside Inn said it is working with Public Health England on safety measures to protect staff and customers and will re-open when it is safe to do so.

It said people associated with the small number of staff and customers affected have already been identified and given appropriate advice.

The Lakeside Inn Facebook post said: “We have been made aware of a number of cases of Covid-19 in our staff and customers and understand many of you will want to know what action we have taken.

“Please be assured we are working closely with South Tyneside Council and Pubic Health England to complete risk assessment and make sure we have the right measures in place to protect all our customers, staff and the wider community.

“Close contacts associated with the small number of staff and customers affected have already been identified and given appropriate advice.

“You do not need anything unless contacted by NHS Test and Trace, but anybody who attended The Lakeside Inn on or after August 17 should remain vigilant for any symptoms of Covid-19 as a precautionary measure.

"If you develop symptoms of a high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell you should self-isolate immediately and get a test.

“Details were taken by at least one person in each party by attending The Lakeside.

"The person in your party who provided contact details will receive a text notifying them, asking them to pass on the message to the rest of the party and advising that they should be vigilant for any symptoms of Coronavirus.

“We are undertaking a deep clean and will re-open when it is safe to do so for customers and staff alike.”

The Lakeside was one of a number of venues across South Tyneside that took the decision to close this week to allow for a deep clean following confirmed cases linked to staff or customers.

South Shields pubs Life of Riley and Clover and Wolf in the town centre closed temporarily on Thursday, August 27, for the deep clean after a customer tested positive, but both have since reopened in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.

East Boldon pub Beggar’s Bridge also closed for a deep clean on Thursday, August 27, and reopened for the weekend.

Bistro Romano in Cleadon is also closed temporarily after two staff members tested positive.

South Tyneside Council health bosses said that the increase in coronavirus cases in South Tyneside was always a risk of people socialising and said it was working closely with Public Health England to manage the situation.

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

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