Village pub closed down for deep cleaning after customers test positive for coronavirus

The Half Moon, off Stockton Road in Easington Village, stressed its own staff have not experienced signs or symptoms of the illness as it confirmed it had shut its doors after the information came to light.

It is now carrying out work to ensure it is sanitised before it can welcome customers again, with further information being sought from health officials.

It comes after East Durham Garden Centre, just a short distance away on South Hetton Road, confirmed its premises was closed due to the same reasons.

In a message on its Facebook page posted today, Friday, August 28, bosses at The Half Moon said: “We have been informed that some customers who were in our restaurant from 4.30pm on Saturday, August 22, have tested positive for coronavirus.

"No members of staff are showing signs or symptoms.

"We are sorry but we will be closed today for deep cleaning and sanitizing for everybody's safety and awaiting advice from 111 NHS and Public Health England.”

The temporary closure comes in the wake of a number of instances where other bars and restaurants have had to close after similar experiences.

Yesterday, the Beggar’s Bridge in East Boldon said it had closed for a clean after a customer who had been in at the weekend reported they had tested positive.

Today, Bistro Romano in Cleadon and Clover and Wolf in South Shields also said they had acted after their business bosses were alerted to cases.

Health chiefs have issued a warning ahead of the Bank Holiday, urging anyone with symptoms or awaiting a test to not leave their home, especially younger people after a rise in cases involving those in their late teens up to their early 20s.

Symptoms of coronavirus include a high temperature, new continuous cough and a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell.

Anyone who develops symptoms and their household contacts will also be required to self-isolate.

For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do.

A message from the editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.