Pub will stay open despite visit by coronavirus sufferer

The Grenadier, which is part of Mitchells & Butlers’ brand Sizzling Pubs, has been working with Public Health England (PHE) and has made the decision to keep the pub open.

A spokesperson for Sizzling Pubs said: “We can confirm we were informed by PHE that a member of the public confirmed to have contracted coronavirus visited the Grenadier prior to becoming unwell.

“We have followed the advice and worked closely with PHE, which has advised us that there is minimal ongoing risk of infection to either guests or staff and, as such, the pub remains open for business as usual.”

Customer advice

The customer was the third coronavirus case in the UK and the NHS confirmed he called the non-emergency number when he had concerns.

NHS strategic director professor Keith Willett said: “This patient did the right thing when they had concerns about coronavirus by calling NHS 111 for advice.

“After a telephone assessment, they were advised to make their way to Royal Sussex Country Hospital Brighton for testing.

“Following a pre-arranged plan with the NHS, they drove themselves to the hospital, were tested in isolation and away from public areas of the hospitality and returned home in isolation in their own car.”

Risk rise

He added: “Any travellers from China and other specified countries who have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath are advised to follow the example of this patient and call NHS 111 for advice.”

At the time of publication, the Government had confirmed eight patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus. Based on the World Health Organisation’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK chief medical officers have raised the rise to the public from low to moderate.

This permits the Government to plan for all eventualities but it also says the risk to individuals remains low.