A BUFFET restaurant in the Metrocentre has closed after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.

The Big Lukes Buffet Restaurant in the Yellow Mall has temporarily closed following the confirmed case.

Gateshead Council, which said it is working with Public Health England North East, said a number of staff have been identified as a close contact.

The council said the affected staff have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days even if they are not displaying any symptoms.

Online, buffet bosses do not appear to have released a statement on any of its social media pages.

However the council says the buffet is co-operating with ongoing public health investigations.

Alice Wiseman, Gateshead’s Director of Public Health, said: “We wish the affected staff member and contacts well.

"This incident shows that coronavirus is still circulating in Gateshead and as restrictions are eased we must all remain vigilant."

Latest Public Health England figures confirm Gateshead has seen a total of 1,324 Covid-19 cases since the outbreak began.

Ms Wiseman said: “It is important that we all do our best to contain the virus and prevent ongoing spread to others; especially those in our communities who are vulnerable.

"That’s why if you have symptoms of coronavirus, you must self-isolate immediately and get tested.

“To further reduce the spread of the virus, we are urging residents to maintain a 2m distance from people not in their household; wash their hands regularly for 20 seconds and if they have symptoms to isolate immediately and call 119 and arrange for a test.”

This comes as two Seaham pubs took the decision to close after a customer tested positive for the virus earlier this month.

The Northern Echo attempted to contact the restaurant but was unable to make contact.