Sunderland pub The Stables confirms it has closed until further notice after customer with Covid-19 visits four times

The Stables Eatery and Pub, in West Herrington, announced earlier today, Tuesday, September 15, it would be shutting down temporarily after it learned one of its visitors had a test confirming they have the virus.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the business said: "We are sorry to announce that due to one of our customers testing positive for Covid-19 we are temporarily closing until further notice.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

"We will keep everyone updated as and when we receive information from the Covid team.

“We will give further details after further communications with Public Health.”

The business added it had been through its records and found the customer in question had visited on the following days and times:

Monday, September 7, at 6pm Thursday, September 10, at 6.35pm Saturday, September 12, at 8.05pm Sunday, September 13, at 5pm.

The bar is one of a number of businesses which have closed following visits from customers who have later found to have the virus, with a series of schools also affected as year groups have been sent home to self-isolate after students or staff tested positive.

Sunderland has been put on a Public Health England watchlist for enhanced support due to a rise in case figures across Wearside, joining South Tyneside, Gateshead, Newcastle and Hartlepool, which have each been put on various gradings to ensure further help is given to drive down the numbers.