Positive COVID test leads to pub’s closure

A village pub has closed its doors for a deep clean after customers later tested positive for coronavirus.

The Half Moon, off Stockton Road in Easington Village, stressed its own staff have not experienced signs or symptoms of the illness as it confirmed it had shut its doors after the information came to light.

It is now carrying out work to ensure it is sanitised before it can welcome customers again, with further information being sought from health officials.

It comes after East Durham Garden Centre confirmed its premises was closed due to the same reasons.

In a message on its Facebook page posted on Friday, August 28, bosses at The Half Moon said: “We have been informed that some customers who were in our restaurant from 4.30pm on Saturday, August 22, have tested positive for coronavirus.

"No members of staff are showing signs or symptoms.

"We are sorry, but we will be closed today for deep cleaning and sanitizing for everybody's safety and awaiting advice from 111 NHS and Public Health England.”

The temporary closure comes in the wake of a number of instances where other bars and restaurants have had to close after similar experiences.

Beggar’s Bridge in East Boldon said it had closed for a clean after a customer who had been in at the weekend reported they had tested positive.

Bistro Roma no in C lead on and Clover and Wolf in South Shields also said they had acted after their business bosses were alerted to cases.