Harborough café bar forced to close amid a Covid-19 scare has re-opened

A Market Harborough café bar forced to close amid a Covid-19 scare has re-opened.

The Mercado Lounge on Abbey Street is welcoming back customers after it had to shut last week when a chef tested positive for coronavirus.

The popular town centre outlet has been exhaustively deep-cleaned while its entire team has been tested for the virus “to ensure the safety of everyone”.

“We're so pleased to announce that those whose results have come back have all been negative.

“Our lovely Front of House team whose results we've had back so far are all healthy and well and so we are able to re-open our doors today,” said the Mercado Lounge.

“Rest assured those still waiting on results will remain off work until they receive them but so far 99 per cent have come back negative.

“Our kitchen team continues to self-isolate despite them coming back negative due to being track and trace contacts to the chef that tested positive.

“However, we have borrowed an army of chefs from other lounges to serve you delicious food until they're able to safely return to work.”

The lounge has been “professionally cleaned with anti-viral treatment” in a bid to totally eradicate any traces of the coronavirus in the restaurant.

“For those that asked, our test and trace forms are always located at the front door when you enter as well as on every table for you to fill out and do your part in controlling the virus.

“Thank you so much everyone for all your lovely comments and ongoing support during such an unprecedented time,” said the Mercado Lounge.

“We will continue to stay alert and keep everyone safe.

“The chef that tested positive is still doing well and thanks you for all the well wishes and he can't wait to fully recover so that he can return to work.

“We look forward to welcoming you back.”