AN urgent plea has been issued to those living in the Stanley area, following confirmation that four people there have tested positive for coronavirus.

The cases are all linked to staff or customers at the Stanley Empire Club.

A spokesman from the club said: “We had a confirmed case of Covid-19 in one of our customers.

“We found this out late on Tuesday night so we have taken the decision to close the club, do a full deep clean and have all of our staff tested.

"We are collating the track and trace data which will be sent across the relevant Government body.”

County Durham’s director of public health, Amanda Healy, said: “We are urging anyone who visited the club on the 9, 10 or 11 August to self-isolate for 14 days from the day of their visit in order to help prevent further potential spread of the virus.”

Staff from across the county council have been working with Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace since the first suspected cases came to light in order to reach as many people as possible who visited the club over those dates.

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A community awareness programme has also been launched in Stanley and the surrounding areas with posters to share messages specific to those who visited the club, reminders of how to stay safe during the pandemic as well as advice and guidance for local businesses about keeping staff and customers safe.

Ms Healy added: “It is vital to remember that the power to protect our loved ones, friends and neighbours lies in all of our hands. If we all follow the simple steps of Hands, Face, Space – washing our hands often for 20 seconds, covering our face in public buildings and staying 2 metres apart when possible – then we will all be doing out bit to halt the spread of this virus.

“Coronavirus could hit any of us, but by working together to stay safe we can limit its impact.”

Residents are reminded that if you have any symptoms of Coronavirus – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell – then they should immediately self-isolate and get a test.

More information about staying safe and getting a test can be found at durham.gov.uk/coronavirus.