Pubs are closed due to virus alert

Durham County Council is reminding venues of the steps they should take if a customer tests positive for coronavirus.

The message comes after three Seaham pubs announced they were closing temporarily following reports a man, believed to be a regular in pubs in the Harbour area, had tested positive for Covid-19.

Bottleworks, in Church Street, and Marlborough, in Charles Street, said they would be closed on Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19.

An update on the Bottleworks Facebook page, posted on Tuesday, said the man had only been in the venue for 15 minutes on Sunday, August 9, first thing in the morning.

The Inn Between, in South Railway Street, also confirmed it would be closed for a deep clean and reopen this Friday, August 21, at the earliest.

Co-owner Ellie Burdess said on Wednesday that it was not believed the man had been in the pub but the decision to close had been taken as a precaution. All staff tested negative for Covid-19.

Licensed coffee bar The Volunteer Arms also posted an update on Facebook after concerns were raised – but said it would remain open as the man had not visited in over a year.

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection, said: “We encourage all licensed premises to follow Government guidance and to adhere to risk assessments which should been carried out when reopening as Covid-19 secure businesses, which should include enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures. Staff should be advised to take a test if they show coronavirus symptoms.”