Wetherspoon shuts pub in Carlisle as worker tests positive for coronavirus

Wetherspoon shuts pub in Carlisle as worker tests positive for coronavirus days after six drinkers who were ill with the infection went to the bar

  • The pub was forced to close after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19
  • The William Rufus Weatherperson pub in Botchergate, Carlisle closed on Friday
  • This comes days after six people who tested positive for the virus visited the pub

A Wetherspoon pub in the north west of England has been forced to close after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus

The William Rufus in Botchergate, Carlisle, was closed early on Friday, July 31 after an employee’s test came back positive.

It is understood the member of staff completed a home test kit after being concerned about the local outbreak.  

The coronavirus test was completed on July 27 and came back positive on July 30. 

The William Rufus in Botchergate, Carlisle (pictured above) was closed on Friday, July 31, after an employee’s coronavirus test came back positive

A total of 24 staff are now self-isolating, after being in close contact with their fellow staff member, Lancashire Live reported

The pub was forced to close its doors on July 31 because of the large number of staff who were self-isolating and unable to come in.

Two shifts – on July 24 and 28 – have been identified as a concern by authorities, as the employee was working in the pub on those dates.  

Customer details have not been requested at this time, the Wetherspoon chain said. 

This comes days after six people who tested positive for the virus visited the William Rufus pub.

It is one of a group of Carlisle pubs where either staff or punters have tested positive for the virus in recent weeks with others including The Museum and The Turf. 

Cumbria County Council urged pubgoers in Carlisle to get tested for coronavirus after contact tracers established a link between cases.

Coronavirus lockdown guidelines were relaxed earlier this month, with many businesses such as pubs reopening from July 4.

This comes days after six people who tested positive for the virus visited the William Rufus pub.

This comes days after six people who tested positive for the virus visited the William Rufus pub.

Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: ‘Wetherspoon has taken the decision to temporarily close the pub.

‘The local authority has not advised the company to close the pub.

‘Both the local authority and public health bodies have been very helpful and supportive.

‘Customer test and trace details have not yet been requested by the authorities but are available when needed.   

‘Wetherspoon will reopen the pub as and when it can get the number of staff needed to do so safely.’