Pub closed over weekend after staff member’s positive test

ONE of Llanelli’s oldest and most popular venues closed over the weekend after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The Thomas Arms Hotel shut on Saturday afternoon, September 19, with immediate effect in order for a deep clean to take place.

Staff at the hotel have been asked to self-isolate and the business is currently undergoing all the necessary track and trace steps to contact anyone who might have been in contact with the individual.

The business, which is owned by Brains, follows two other Llanelli pubs that have been hit by coronavirus, including Tafarn y Felin in Swiss Valley and the South Star near Bigyn, both of which closed for a period of time.

The venue reopened yesterday, with a new team of staff members from another pub working at the hotel.

In a statement, the business said yesterday: “We can confirm that one team member has tested positive for coronavirus at the Thomas Arms Hotel, Llanelli.

“We have been working with the relevant authorities to ensure we follow all the prescribed guidance.

“We have implemented our own robust procedures to respond to the situation.

“The hotel has already been deep cleaned.

“As a precautionary measure we took the decision to close the premises with immediate effect and we have been working closely with Public Health Wales to establish when the premises can be opened safely.”

It added: “We have placed our team into self isolation and will continue to work with Public Health Wales to provide all the information to assist the track and trace system being effective.

“The Thomas Arms Hotel will reopen today with a new team drafted in from one of our other pubs.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support given by our customers and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.”