Popular Harborough pub temporarily closes after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19

A popular Market Harborough pub has closed for the moment after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

The Freemasons Arms on St Mary’s Road acted to shut over the weekend after their kitchen porter was struck down by the coronavirus.

He is now believed to be self-isolating in an attempt to stop the virus spreading.

The pub announced on their Facebook page on Saturday (October 10): “Unfortunately, we have just been told that our kitchen porter has tested positive for coronavirus, as a result of which we have taken the decision to close temporarily.

“Thankfully he is not unwell, and no other members of the team are known to be displaying symptoms.

“The member of staff’s contact with other members of the team had been very limited.

“Any risk of infection will have been mitigated by our extensive hygiene measures, which include the wearing of masks, daily deep cleans and fogging.

“Nevertheless we have taken the decision to close as a precaution.

“We will re-open when we are confident our team are all fit and well and the pub has been thoroughly deep cleaned and sanitised.”

The Freemasons Arms said that the “news will cause concern to those of you who have recently visited” the pub.

But they said it “is worth pointing out that the team member who has tested positive works in the cleaning area and did not have direct contact with customers”.

“We have been collecting details of customer visits for NHS Track & Trace but we have been advised not to contact customers ourselves.

“If they decide it is necessary NHS Track & Trace will make direct contact,” said the pub.

“If you don't hear anything from them there is no reason for concern and you don't have to do anything.

“We will come back to you soon as to when we will re-open, we thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.”

Meanwhile, Wistow Café Bistro at Wistow Rural Centre, near Market Harborough, is re-opening today (Monday) after being closed since last Thursday (October 8).

The café shut when a member of staff began showing Covid-19 symptoms.

But they have now tested negative for the virus.

The café says on its Facebook page today: “It's great to be back open. We missed you.

“Even though we were only shut for a couple of days.

“If you weren't already aware, our team member received a negative test for Covid-19.

“It was just a nasty bug but we felt it was better to be safe than sorry. “Which means it is perfectly safe to visit us.

“Rest assured, we would not reopen if we thought we were putting our customers and staff at risk.

“And we hope how we have handled the pandemic from day one proves how seriously we take this.

“Please be aware though, that due to staff shortages, we will be running a reduced menu over the next few days.

“So please don't be too upset if you find your favourite is missing from the menu.

“Hopefully we'll be back to more of a new normal soon.

“We open at 10am and can't wait to see you all soon!”