The Chronicle

Deep clean for bar after cases

STAFF AND CUSTOMERS TESTED POSITIVE

- By KIERAN MURRAY Reporter kieran.murray@ncjmedia.co.uk

A POPULAR Quayside bar and restaurant has undergone a deep clean after a number of staff and customers tested positive for coronaviru­s.

Newcastle City Council’s health officers made an initial visit to Aveika over the weekend after being alerted to a small number of cases.

Those who have contracted coronaviru­s are now self-isolating, as are a number of close contacts who have been identified through the track and trace system.

It is the latest Covid-19 case to hit the city’s eating spots after KFC Byker, Dat Bar, The County pub and McDonald’s at West Denton Retail Park also had staff members test positive for the disease.

Aveika is a popular haunt for celebs and on Saturday night the restaurant posted a video on its Instagram page of boxing champion Tyson Fury enjoying a meal.

A deep clean of the site has now taken place while experts have worked with the venue’s management to ensure the appropriat­e safety measures are in place.

Aveika has remained open as per the government guidance, which states that pubs or restaurant­s confirmed as having a positive case or cases of Covid-19 don’t necessaril­y have to close, as it depends on the circumstan­ces. Environmen­tal health officers attended the Sandhill restaurant yesterday morning to ensure the venue was safe before opening to customers. A Newcastle City Council spokesman said: “We are aware of a small number of Covid cases linked to Aveika and Public Health and Regulatory Services officers are supporting the business to manage the situation.

“Already, close contacts of confirmed cases have been identified and are now in self-isolation, a deep clean of the site has taken place, and we are working with management and PHE to ensure Covid safety measures are of the required standard needed to protect staff and customers. “Members of the public do not need to self-isolate if they have been to any location where somebody has since tested positive for the virus unless they are informed to do so by NHS Test and Trace or go on to develop symptoms themselves. “Businesses do not have to close as a result of positive cases, but should any failings be found then we have the right to take enforcemen­t action, though we would only seek to do this as a last resort. “Environmen­tal Health Officers have attended ... to ensure it is safe to reopen the venue and that the necessary procedures are in place for the safety and staff and visitors.”

The Chronicle has approached Aveika for a comment.

Newcastle City Council

We are aware of a small number of Covid cases linked to Aveika

 ??  ?? Aveika on Newcastle’s Quayside has undergone a deep clean
Aveika on Newcastle’s Quayside has undergone a deep clean

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