FOUR people, including staff and customers, have tested positive for coronavirus after a small outbreak in Consett.

Those infected all had links Consett Workmen’s Club in the town centre, which closed voluntarily on Sunday.

Durham County Council is currently working with the site’s management and Public Health England to contact everyone who was in the establishment on last Friday and Saturday to ask them to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their visit.

Anyone who displays coronavirus symptoms is being asked to take a test and to self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.

Symptoms can take 14 days to develop.

Amanda Healy, Director of Public Health for County Durham, said: “As with any outbreak that would occur in the county, we continue to push the coronavirus prevention messages through a range of channels including social media, bus shelters and providing information to local schools, workplaces community groups and clubs.

“This information includes messages that the best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect ourselves and our communities, is to follow public health guidance.

“This means staying two metres apart, frequently washing your hands for 20 seconds, covering your face in enclosed spaces, and staying at home if you have been identified as a contact of a case, have symptoms or are waiting for Covid test results.

“Testing sites continue to operate across County Durham for anyone with symptoms and we are looking to open a mobile unit in Consett to increase local access to testing.”

To book a test visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or phone 119 and visit www.durham.gov.uk/covid19help for help to self-isolate.

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