Why NHS Test and Trace won't be contacting everyone at Sunderland pubs following coronavirus customer

Sunderland pub The Cavalier said it was ‘disgusted’ that the NHS Test and Trace system had not been in touch after a customer tested positive for coronavirus.

The pub on Silksworth Lane confirmed that a customer who had drank in its beer garden on Friday, July 31, tested positive for coronavirus the following day.

The Golden Fleece and Ryhope Cricket Club also announced a temporary closures after the customer contacted the venues on Saturday, August 1.

All three venues have now reopened to the public.

Landlords and customers have been left confused as to why they had not been contacted by NHS Test and Trace, with many customers left wondering whether they should book a test or not.

Sunderland Council health officials have said that in the case of all three venues it was not necessary 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 at Sunderland City Council said the contact tracing would only be for those who were withing two metres of the person.

She said: “Contact tracing is carried out on people who have been within two metres of anyone testing positive for Covid-19.

“With information gathered on social distancing measures and how it was being practised at these premises, including speaking to the person who tested positive, the risk was deemed to be lower and it was not necessary to trace all the patrons who were present on Friday night.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation here and across the city.

“Please remember, as this weekend has shown, it is important that everyone remains vigilant and does the right thing to help contain the virus.

“We all have a role to play whether as individuals or as businesses and it is important to follow the guidance to protect everyone.”

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