PEOPLE visiting a Stanley club earlier this month are once again being urged to self-isolate following confirmation of four more positive coronavirus tests linked to the venue – taking the total number to eight.

Durham County Council and Public Health England (PHE) are asking anyone who visited the Stanley Empire Club on August 9, 10 and 11 to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their visit in order to help prevent further spread of the virus.

Those who test positive are also being asked to ensure that other members of their household also self-isolate for 14 days.

A further four positive coronavirus tests have been confirmed today, taking the total linked to the venue to eight.

Staff from the council have been working with PHE and NHS Test and Trace since the first suspected cases came to light to reach as many people as possible who visited the club on the dates in question and advise them to self-isolate.

People are also being advised to take a coronavirus test if they feel symptomatic and to continue to self-isolate regardless of the result.

Director of public health for County Durham Amanda Healy said: “It is really important that anyone who visited the Stanley Empire Club on 9, 10 and 11 August self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their visit to reduce the risk of onward transmission.

“We are also encouraging anyone who visited the club who has symptoms to book a coronavirus test as well. However it is crucial that even if they get a negative result they continue to self-isolate for 14 days as symptoms can take up to 14 days to develop. A negative test today can be a positive test tomorrow.

“It is also really important that where someone gets a positive test, their whole household must join them in self-isolating for 14 days.”

The Empire Club has been ordered to close by PHE while other establishments in Stanley have shut of their own accord.

Ms Healy added: “We would like to thank people in Stanley for working with us in recent days, in particular the Empire Club and other venues.

“Local residents have really helped us raise awareness of the need for anyone who visited the club to self-isolate and we know of people who are following this advice as a result.

“It is really important that we all do everything we can to reduce further transmission for the benefit of people’s health and also the local economy in terms of ensuring residents and businesses do not need to undergo any form of local lockdown.”

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 said: “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 two metres apart when possible – then we will all be doing our 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 they 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.

Anyone who is asked to self-isolate who has nobody to help them during this time can access help on the website or by calling the County Durham Together community hub on 03000-260260 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.