Sunderland pub The Rabbit forced to close after report customer who tested positive for covid should have been self-isolating

The Rabbit in High Street West said it was taking all proper steps after management were informed a member of the public who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 had entered the premises before their full isolation period was up.

It came after Sunderland was placed on the Government’s watch list as an area of ‘enhanced support’ due to the rise in cases in the city.

A statement on The Rabbit’s Facebook page today reads: “Last night we were informed by local authorities that a member of the public entered the premises at 7.30 who had previously tested positive and should have still been in isolation.

“In response to this we will be closed all of today (13th of September) in this time we will be ensuring that the correct steps are taken in regards to deep cleaning the entire building and ensuring all our staff and customers safety as advised by the covid branch of the licence enforcement.

"We will be working closely with authorities and officials to uphold our high standards of cleanliness and customer care.

“Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this, we hope you understand this was completely out of our control, but we are working to ensure the safe reopening of the pub.

“We will be working with track and trace to inform all the people we need to as soon as possible, please everyone stay safe.”

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