Covid-19: Pubs in England close after positive tests

A number of pubs in England have shut after customers tested positive for coronavirus according to BBC reports.

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 affected pubs announced their closures via Facebook.

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.

In Batley, West Yorkshire, the Fox and Hounds said a customer had phoned to say they had tested positive for coronavirus.

Meanwhile the Village Home Pub in Alverstoke, Hampshire, said some staff were isolating due to “a case of coronavirus in the pub”.

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.

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 say they are not treating the case as an “outbreak” and asked people to keep to social distancing guidelines and to regularly wash their hands.