Pubs forced to close after drinkers are struck down
AT least four pubs have already shut their doors over fears of spreading the virus.
They were only allowed to reopen on Saturday after being closed for three months.
In Batley, West Yorks, the Fox and Hounds said a customer had phoned in to say they had tested positive for coronavirus.
Bosses said staff have since taken a test and the pub will be cleaned and remain shut until it is safe to reopen.
A pub, Indian restaurant and a vape bar have closed in Burnhamon-Sea,
Somerset, after someone who went boozing also tested positive.
Jess Green, landlady of The Lighthouse, rang at least 90 people who left contact details during their visit on Saturday.
She said it took her all day and was “stressful”.
Jess added: “We contacted every one of our customers...
“Test and trace can do all that, but we took it upon ourselves to do it.” The Village Home pub in
Alverstoke, Hants, said some staff were isolating because of “a case of coronavirus in the pub”. Its statement added: “The pub is now shut but all being well will open again on Saturday. “Anyone who was in the pub over the weekend there is no need to isolate unless you show symptoms or are contacted direct by the trace group. Thank you and hope to see you soon.” A nearby pub, the Fighting Cocks, said it had not had a confirmed case but was shutting as a precaution. Bosses said: “Following a local confirmed case... we have made the very difficult decision to DEEP CLEAN The Fox and temporarily close Hounds has taken action to ensure the safety of staff and customers.” Health Secretary Matt Hancock said pubs were “doing the right thing by their customers and communities”. He added: “This is NHS Test and Trace working precisely as intended.” Mr Hancock said boozers have shut “so that others can be open”.