Health secretary praises pubs for closing after coronavirus links
The pubs announced temporary closures on their respective social media accounts and said they had been in contact with NHS Test and Trace for help on how to move forward.
The Fox & Hounds in Batley, West Yorkshire said it had been contacted by a customer who had tested positive and would be closed “until further notice”.
Hampshire pub the Village Home in Alverstoke said some of the staff were isolating after someone with coronavirus had been in the pub.
Working as intended
It would remain shut until Saturday (11 July), but staff advised any customers who were in the venue on the opening weekend would not need to isolate unless they were contacted by NHS Test and Trace or showed symptoms.
The Lighthouse Kitchen & Carvery, Burnham-on-Sea, in Somerset said all staff would be tested and it would reopen when “safe to do so”.
Hancock lauded the pubs for “doing the right thing by their customers and communities”.
He told MPs in the House of Commons: “This is NHS Test and Trace working precisely as intended. Three pubs shut so others can be open.”
Serious responsibilities
A spokesperson for Downing Street said the pubs closing illustrated “how seriously pubs and the public are taking their responsibilities to keep others safe”.
Pubs have been asked to record names and phone numbers of all staff and customers in a bid to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The information collected should include the names and contact numbers of staff alongside the dates and times they are at work.
The Government states this is voluntary but operators should encourage customers to share their details to support the NHS Test and Trace scheme.
However, customers can choose to opt out and if they do so, operators should not share their information used for booking purposes with NHS Test and Trace.
