Where have pubs closed because of coronavirus cases?
Here is a map of temporary closures so far. Many pubs have managed to reopen after a few days, giving them the time to carry out deep cleans, get staff tested for the virus, and work with contact-tracers to inform customers of any risks they may have encountered.
Safety experts confirmed to The Morning Advertiser that pubs do not have to close their doors if a customer informs them they have tested positive for the virus. However, pubs have been praised for taking precautions and deep cleaning their sites after these incidents, including three who closed just days after pubs were allowed to reopen from 'Super Saturday' 4 July.
One pub was praised by public health officials after taking the decision to close and contacting authorities after a few cases of the virus were found in connection with it. The Soho Foundry Tavern in Smethwick decided to close on Thursday 6 August after hosting a large gathering where the 70 people in attendance were asked to self-isolate.
Director of Public Health for Sandwell, Dr Lisa McNally, said: “They did exactly what we would want business owners to do in this situation."
However, other operators have admitted a lack of control over incidents that were linked to positive Covid-19 tests.
Publican Custodio Pinto said he misjudged a situation where social distancing was not enforced and described a "false sense of normality."
Some 22 confirmed Covid-19 cases have been linked to the Crown & Anchor in Stone, Staffordshire, according to Staffordshire County Council.
As shown on the map (above), this incident triggered the closure of several other pubs in the town centre with operators keen to protect customer safety.
What's more, three pubs in Brinklow, a town in Warwickshire, were praised for closing by Public Health Warwickshire and Rugby Borough Council. A customer who tested positive for the virus had visited two out of three venues.
In addition to closures, regional restrictions have impacted pubs in certain parts of England. Pubgoers in northern areas including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire have been told not to visit indoor venues with people not in their household or 'support bubbles'. Preston was also included in these restrictions as of 7 August.
Furthermore, pubs in Leicester had a longer wait to reopen after a significant number of infections in the city delayed the freedoms re-introduced in July elsewhere in England.
Map last updated Wednesday 12 August.
