'We're open again' - Harborough café forced to close for the second time in a month amid a new Covid-19 scare is back up and running

A busy Market Harborough café bar forced to close for the second time in a month amid a new Covid-19 scare is back up and running.

The Mercado Lounge on Abbey Street has re-opened today (Monday) after it had to close on Saturday.

The town centre outlet shut for 48 hours after a male chef just back from holiday tested positive for the coronavirus.

The member of staff is now in self-isolation, the Mercado Lounge said today.

But the rest of the workforce have tested negative while the restaurant has been “fogged, cleaned and sanitized”.

The blow came on Saturday after the eaterie had to shut early last month when another male chef tested positive for Covid-19.

But there is not thought to be any risk to hundreds of customers as both chefs worked purely in the kitchen and had minimal contact with the public.

The Mercado Lounge said today: “Good Morning Market Harborough, we're so pleased to announce that we are open as usual from today.

“The staff member that tested positive remains in self-isolation.

“But the rest of the staff have been tested negative and are fit and well to re-open the doors.

“None of the staff were in contact with the other team member but were tested as a precaution.”

They stressed: “The lounge has been fogged, cleaned and sanitized ready to welcome you back safely.

“We look forward to seeing you all soon!”