No outbreak after Sunderland coronavirus case pub closures

The Cavalier and The Golden Fleece and Ryhope Cricket Club, temporarily closed at the weekend after a customer tested positive for Covid-19.

The punter had been drinking at the venues on Friday, July 31, while awaiting test results.

Although they had no symptoms, the drinker’s test result came back positive the following day, Saturday, August 1.

After contacting the pubs to let them know, the venues decided to close on Saturday to allow for a deep clean and to test staff.

All three venues have since reopened to the public.

Now Sunderland Council health officials have confirmed that the events at the city pubs are not being classed as an outbreak.

Gillian Gibson, Director of Public Health at Sunderland City Council explained an outbreak is defined as if two or more people who test positive for Covid-19 are linked in time and place.

The council said it is still monitoring the situation.

Gillian Gibson, Director of Public Health at Sunderland City Council said: “The City Council has its Covid Control Plan and an outbreak is defined as where two or more people who test positive for Covid-19 are linked in time and place.

“Events at the pubs over the weekend have been classed as an incident, not an outbreak.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation and it is important to remind everyone to follow advice on keeping safe and doing the right thing to contain the virus.

“This includes that anyone with possible Covid symptoms should self-isolate for at least ten days and should only leave their home if they receive a negative test result.”

Sunderland Council health officials confirmed on Monday, August 4, that in the case of all three venues it was not necessary for the the NHS Test and Trace system to trace all the patrons as the risk was deemed to be lower due to the social distancing measures the three establishments had in place.

Gillian Gibson, Director of Public Health, said the contact tracing would only be for those who were withing two metres of the person.

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