A POPULAR pub has been forced to close after several staff members were contacted by track and trace.

Staff at The Crathorne Arms in the village of Crathorne near Yarm posted on Facebook that they had been forced to close due to several staff members being 'pinged' by NHS track and trace.

The post said: "Due to a few of our team members being contacted by track and trace, we have made the decision to close the pub until Thursday 29th July.

"We apologies for any inconvenience caused and look forward to seeing you again soon. Stay safe."

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Many businesses have been forced to close in the North East due to staff being pinged by track and trace.

The Thali Tray in Newcastle and Punch Bowl Hotel in Jesmond both had to close due to staff isolating.

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