Warning of infection as Covid spike linked to city centre pub

A CLUSTER of Covid-19 cases have been linked to a pub in Swansea’s Wind Street.

People who recently visited Jack Murphys have been warned to look out for symptoms and to get tested after at least 13 people, including some staff, tested positive for Covid-19. It has since been confirmed that a small number of staff were working and serving customers during the infectious period leading up to their symptoms, and also while they were symptomatic.

People who visited Jack Murphys between May 26 and June 1 are being urged to get a test immediately if they develop a high fever, sudden persistent cough or loss of or change of taste and smell. People are also being urged to get tested if they have developed any flu-like symptoms or even any symptoms that seem unusual for them.

Swansea Test, Trace, Protect teams said they were doing all they could to trace known contacts, but there were concerns that some customers might not be traced and might not recognise symptoms. Testing is available to people, even if they only have mild symptoms.

Those who are identified as a close contact of the positive cases, and contacted by the TTP team, will be given instructions to isolate and are urged to follow them strictly to avoid the risk of passing the virus on to others. Even if they are not showing symptoms, they could still be infected – and infectious.

Officers from Swansea council’s Public Health Team are also working with the bar’s managers to ensure all Covid-19 safeguards are in place.

Sion Lingard, consultant in health protection with Public Health Wales, said: “Over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend and the days leading up to it, hundreds of people are likely to have visited Jack Murphys. Many of these people may not realise that they could have been exposed to the virus, and the TTP team may not be able to trace everyone who went there.

“So it is extremely important that we warn people about the risk so they can get tested if they feel unwell – not only with the classic Covid symptoms but any symptoms which are unusual for them.

“Please also remember that it is far safer to be outside in the fresh air than indoors.

“So if you are going out socialising, choose tables outside if you can.”