East Boldon pub shuts its doors after customer is tests positive for coronavirus

Beggar’s Bridge revealed it has temporarily closed for a deep clean after a customer who visited the pub on Sunday, August 23, tested positive for coronavirus.

Bosses at the pub, on Station Approach, have confirmed all staff members who were on shift that day will now be required to take a Covid-19 test and only those with negative results will be able to return to work.

Two other South Tyneside pubs have also announced closures for deep cleans.

The Lakeside Inn, in Jarrow, closed after two staff members tested positive for Covid-19 while Life of Riley, South Shields, has also been contacted by Track and Trace after a customer tested positive since their visit to the pub.

Posting a statement on Facebook, Beggar’s Bridge said: “We have been informed today, Thursday 27th August, that a visitor to our establishment on Sunday 23rd August has tested positive for COVID-19.

"As a precaution, all staff members who were on shift that day will be required to take the relevant test, and only if negative will be able to return to work.

"As a further precaution, we will temporarily close the premises in order to complete an additional, rigorous clean, on top of the stringent procedures that we complete on a daily basis.

"Our secure electronic track and trace system will be made available to the relevant authorities should this be requested. Environmental health have attended and are satisfied with precautions we implemented and the subsequent swift action we have taken.

"We would like to thank our staff and customers for adhering to the policies put in place by us and the authorities so that we can swiftly deal with this situation and re-open at the earliest possible time.”

A date has for reopening has not yet been announced.

Latest figures from Public Health England show 16 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in South Tyneside in the past week (since Thursday, August 20).