Hundreds told to self-isolate after 28 people test positive for Covid-19 following charity football match at Wearside social club

Up to 300 people who attended a charity football match at a working men’s club on the border of Sunderland and Durham are being asked to self-isolate until Sunday, September 13.
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It comes after 28 people who attended the event on August 30 at Burnside Working Men’s Club have tested positive for Covid-19.

Due to the location of the Fence Houses club and the associated positive test cases, Durham County Council, Sunderland City Council and Public Health England have been working together to manage the public health response.

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Amanda Healy Director of Public Health for Durham, said: "Contact tracing is being carried out with anyone deemed to be a close contact of someone who has tested positive, however we are also asking anyone who was at the charity event on Sunday 30 August to immediately self-isolate up until midnight on the 13th, unless they're contacted individually by NHS Test and Trace with further advice.

Burnside WMC. Picture: Google ImagesBurnside WMC. Picture: Google Images
Burnside WMC. Picture: Google Images

"We are also asking people in the community who have already had a test which has come back negative to self-isolate for 14 days from the 30th because it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear. This is essential if we are to stop the spread of the virus in this community as quickly as possible."

The social club confirmed it would be closed for at least 72 hours on Friday, September 4.

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Posting on social media, a club spokesman said: “We would like to thank all our staff and customers who have done a great job of getting in touch with each other and going for tests as soon as we were made aware of the situation.”

Gillian Gibson, Sunderland’s Director of Public Health, added: "It’s really important that everyone acts responsibly and follows the public health guidance when outside of the home if we are to keep our community safe.

"The best way to help protect our families, friends and neighbours is to follow the basic rules of Hands, Face, Space – wash your hands for 20 seconds often, cover your face in public, stay 2 metres apart and stay at home if you have symptoms or are waiting for Covid test results.

If you struggle to self-isolate or if you need to know more about where to get a test visit www.durham.gov.uk/coronavirus or https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/get-a-test or https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/17325/Need-support-or-want-to-help-

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