A 'significant number' of new coronavirus cases are linked to pubs and bars, health bosses warn as cases in Sunderland rise by 32 in one day

Sunderland City Council health bosses have warned those thinking of going out to make sure they follow the guidance around social distancing.

It comes after a number of Covid-19 cases associated with bars and a sports venue in the city.

Some venues have temporarily closed after staff members or customers tested positive for the virus.

Ttonic on Vine Place is one of the latest venues to announce a closure after two of its staff members contracted coronavirus.

The council has confirmed that venue owners are co-operating with ongoing Public Health investigations.

Kath Bailey, Public Health Specialist at Sunderland City Council, said: “We have seen a significant rise in the number of cases linked with pubs and bars across the North East so we would urge anyone thinking of going out to make sure they follow the guidance around social distancing and that they don’t under any circumstances leave their home if they have symptoms of Covid or are awaiting the results of a Covid test.

“We would also ask business owners to act responsibly to help avoid the need the need for more stringent control measures.

“This includes making sure that they have appropriate social distancing, hand washing and cleaning regimes in place and that they are complying with test and trace requirements so that customers can be contacted if there is an outbreak.

Bar staff should stay at home if they feel unwell and customers must leave their contact details with the premises so they can be contacted quickly by NHS Test and Trace.

Those contacted by the NHS Test and Trace team must identify those they have been in close contact with, so that they can be contacted to help prevent ongoing spread of the virus to others.

Meanwhile Public Health England case figures released on Saturday, September 5, confirmed 32 new Covid-19 cases in Sunderland, with the total now standing at 1,920.

Cases in South Tyneside are also continuing to rise with the borough being added to Public Health England’s list of ‘areas of concern’.

Council Public Health Specialist Kath Bailey, added: “Unfortunately we are seeing the numbers of people testing positive for Covid in Sunderland continuing to rise.

"We’re also seeing more younger people testing positive, with more people in their late teens and early 20s than before.

“If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you must self-isolate immediately and get tested and continue to isolate whilst awaiting results of your test.

"If you have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case, you will need to complete your 14-day isolation period even if you test negative.

“We would also ask residents to continue to follow the public health advice on social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing face coverings in line with national guidance, to stop the spread of the virus.

“If you develop symptoms your household contacts will also be required to self-isolate.”

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.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo 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.

Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.