Coronavirus outbreak at new Wakefield bar Truth as eight staff members test positive

Wakefield Council has been working closely with Public Health England to manage an outbreak of COVID-19 at Truth, a Wakefield bar which opened in July.

As of Monday August 17, eight members of the workforce have tested positive for COVID-19.

The council said action has been taken as quickly as possible to help limit the spread of the virus.

A spokesperson for Truth said on social media that the venue operates as a 'Covid 19 safe' bar and 'all social distancing guidelines have been met'.

Despite the outbreak, the bar will remain open, Truth said.

All staff who have been in contact with a positive case have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days and have been tested.

A statement posted on the social media page of Truth read: "We have been working closely with the council and public health England over these past few weeks.

"We can confirm that the Covid 19 outbreak is in the staff group.

"The venue operates as a Covid 19 safe venue and has Covid 19 policy’s in place.

"All staff have been in self isolation and we have employed new staff to get us over this period.

"All social distancing guidelines have been met when customers were in the venue over the weeks concerned.

"We are classed as a safe Covid 19 venue and our customers safety has been our number one priority.

"Those that have visited our venue know that you have to remain seated though out your stay, we refuse anyone with a temperate.

"We operate a one way system, strict cleaning routines and sanitizer stations all around our venue."

The bar has undertaken a deep cleaning process and continues to remain open with new staff in place according to the statement.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are aware eight cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at Truth bar in Wakefield. The business is working closely with us, alongside Public Health England, to take swift action to help limit any further potential spread.

“If anyone is concerned or displaying symptoms - of a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - please self-isolate as soon as possible and get a test.

“Anyone deemed a close contact of one of the positive cases will be contacted via the NHS test and trace programme and advised to self-isolate and get tested.

“As more people, particularly younger adults, visit bars, pubs and restaurants, we all need to remember to stay alert and take sensible precautions so we can enjoy ourselves but still help to prevent the spread of this very contagious virus.

“We ask everyone to please continue to follow Government guidance on regular handwashing and social distancing to help keep yourself and others safe. If you are displaying symptoms please get a test by visiting nhs.co.uk/coronavirus or call 119.”

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Thank you

Laura Collins