Drinkers and diners to popular North East bar urged to take Covid test after outbreak linked to Indian variant

People who have dined and drank at a popular North East bar have been urged to take a coronavirus test after an outbreak including the Indian variant of the illness was linked to the venue by health chiefs.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 12th May 2021, 16:44 BST

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Customers of Allard’s Lounge in Tynemouth who visited between Friday, April 23, and Monday, May 3, have been told by North Tyneside Council and Public Health England they should book a PCR test.

One of the cases in an outbreak linked to the Front Street premises has been identified as having the Indian variant, with those who signed in using the NHS test and trace app still asked to take a check.

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North Tyneside Council has shared an alert to visitors to Allard's Lounge in Front Street, Tynemouth, following an outbreak of Covid-19 linked to the venue. Image copyright Google.

North Tyneside Council has shared an alert to visitors to Allard's Lounge in Front Street, Tynemouth, following an outbreak of Covid-19 linked to the venue. Image copyright Google.

North Tyneside Director of Public Health, Wendy Burke said additional testing is essential to help control the virus, reduce transmission and help life return to normal again.

She said: “Coronavirus levels in the borough and the wider region are the lowest they’ve been since September and we have one of the lowest rates in the country.

“We want to ensure we keep it that way and especially as we move to the next stage of the roadmap, with restrictions set to ease again on May 17 and allow for indoor mixing.

“We continue to work very with Public Health England to monitor outbreaks, especially as variant cases begin to circulate across the country.

“I would really encourage anyone who visited the bar between April 23 and May 3 to please book a test immediately.

“As with any variant of the virus, it’s important to follow the basic measures of Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air – wash our hands frequently, wear a face covering, keep our distance from others and get fresh air into enclosed spaces.”

The council has also been working closely with the management of Allard’s Lounge, who are ensuring that the bar is Covid-secure and looking forward to reopening fully.

PCR tests are taken at a test site or at home, with results processed by a lab.

Appointments must be booked in advance online or by calling 119.

This is a precaution and people do not need to self-isolate while they await your result, although they will have to follow self-isolation advice if they test positive.

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