RESIDENTS must ‘renew their vigilance’ over social distancing following a confirmed case of coronavirus when a resident visited a Rugby cafe and a public house.
Public Health Warwickshire and Rugby Borough Council (RBC) are asking residents to be aware of the risks posed by not maintaining social distance when visiting pubs, cafes and restaurants.
A Warwickshire County Council (WCC) spokesperson said there were concerns surrounding the recent case that social distancing was not adhered to by all customers.
Close contacts of the case have been identified and asked to self-isolate, and other customers present at the time of the case have been contacted, to ensure they are aware of and alert to the symptoms of Covid-19.
While the pub had put measures in place to reduce risks to customers, it is also reliant on customers maintaining social distancing.
WCC’s associate director of public health Emily Van de Venter said: “With more and more people now out in the community spending time with family and friends at local pubs and restaurants, local spikes are anticipated.
“I would urge people not to be complacent. Keeping a social distance from others remains key to stopping the spread of the virus, as does wearing a face covering when out in public spaces and washing your hands regularly, especially when returning home from outside.
“We would also ask that when visiting your local public house or restaurant that you give your contact details, so that you can be contacted quickly should it be required. We know that no one would want to willingly spread the virus, especially to more vulnerable family and friends. So, make sure you get the early warning needed by giving your details.
“We are currently working with the public house and cafe visited by the person involved along with our colleagues from Rugby Borough Council to provide the relevant help, support and advice and this will continue as we try to reduce the spread of the virus.
“We are grateful to the managers and staff of the venues for their co-operation and swift action to reduce the risk of further infections and their assistance in alerting their customers.”
RBC leader Coun Sebastian Lowe said: “Throughout this pandemic residents have done what’s right for Rugby. They have stayed at home during the lockdown period, they have kept their distance, washed their hands and worn face coverings where required.
“Because of that, Rugby has seen relatively few cases compared to elsewhere in the county and elsewhere in England.
“We must now ask our residents to renew their vigilance. We can continue to enjoy going back to school, visiting the shops and eating out, if we are careful to keep apart, wash our hands and wear a face covering.
“If we get a new, persistent cough, a loss of taste or smell, or a high temperature, we should stay at home and get a test.
“By doing this, we will be doing the right thing for Rugby – we will be protecting each other.”
On social media yesterday (Monday September 7), The Lawrence Sheriff pub said a customer from Friday evening (September 4) has tested positive for Covid-19.
The High Street pub was closed yesterday to undergo a deep disinfecting clean, adding it would continue to adhere to strict guidelines.
And on Saturday (September 5), Kaspas Desserts in Chapel Street said it had been informed by the local Health and Safety department that a customer who visited on Monday August 31 had tested positive for Covid-19.
The branch was temporarily closed for a deep clean and to ensure all staff had taken precautionary tests.
A spokesperson said the business contacted all customers who were on the premises and advised them to take precautionary tests and self-isolate in line with government policy.
A Mobile Testing Unit will be in Rugby from Wednesday (September 9) to Saturday (September 12). Visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirustesting to book a test.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/yxozmjtx to report businesses in Warwickshire which are breaching Covid-19 measures.
