"Hastings Bar Closures Mean Virus Is Still A Real Threat" — Borough Council

Wednesday, 9 September 2020 14:27

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Hastings: Praise For Good Covid-19 Safety Response (photo: © John Warburton)

Leaders of the local authority in Hastings say the coronavirus is still a "real threat" in the town, as three local bars close down after managers discovered a customer had tested positive for Covid-19.

Hastings Borough Council today (September 9) praised the Dragon Bar, The Bat And Bee, and The Owl And The Pussycat for "acting quickly" and for following public health guidance for safety.

Members continued by urging the borough's population to continue to follow government advice on limiting the spread of the disease.

Cllr Kim Forward, leader of the council, said:

"We know local businesses are working hard to ensure their premises are safe by meeting the Government guidance and taking contact details from customers for the NHS test and trace scheme.

"The recent good practice of the Dragon Bar, the Bat and Bee and the Owl and Pussycat, after becoming aware that a customer had been tested and found to have COVID-19, is really positive."

The local authority also repeated its appeal for businesses seeking guidance or support to get in contact, as government rules tighten once more.

Meanwhile, East Sussex County Council officials moved to calm fears surrounding reports of a rise in cases.

Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health at East Sussex County Council, said:

"We are seeing a slight rise in COVID-19 cases across East Sussex as a result of people going back to work and school, but this was completely expected.

"We are not yet seeing an excessive increase of cases in East Sussex; but we may begin to if people don't maintain social distancing and hand hygiene, don't wear face coverings; if they don't isolate when they have symptoms and if they start attending events that have not been approved.

"Pubs will always be a place where we may see positive cases occurring, as they are social mixing environments.

"Closing to clean and to reach out to the customers who may have been in contact with a positive case is very sensible and good practice, which we are glad to see has been exercised by these premises in Hastings."

More from Sussex News

‘A Kick In The Teeth For Lewes’: Lib Dem MP Expresses Disappointment Over Bus Station Loss

Lewes Lib Dems, including MP James MacCleary, have reacted after efforts to persuade Secretary of State Angela Rayner to overturn the South Downs National Park Authority’s (SDNPA) decision to allow the demolition of Lewes bus station were unsuccessful.
Results For Worthing’s Bathing Water Sites Revealed

Teams from Worthing Borough Council are working with the Environment Agency and Southern Water to identify sources of pollution impacting the town’s seawater.
£100,000 Robbery Of Bexhill Mobile Phone Store

An estimated £100,000 worth of electronic equipment was stolen from a shop in Bexhill on Monday evening (November 25).
Organisations In Wealden Receive Funding To Help Tackle Inequalities In Physical Activity

Six organisations have received grant awards to support physical activity projects within Wealden and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Festive Children’s Stories Brought To Life With Interactive Story Session

A selection of festive stories for young children will be brought to life in Chichester’s historic Guildhall in Priory Park thanks to an interactive Christmas story session.
Jail Time For Shop Owner Who Sold Illegal Tobacco

A shop owner who failed to appear in court after the discovery of £6,000 worth of illegal tobacco and cigarettes has been jailed.
Funding Boost For Community-Led Waste Prevention Projects In West Sussex

West Sussex County Council has partnered with its recycling and waste contractor Biffa, to launch a new Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund for community-based household waste prevention projects in West Sussex.
Newhaven RNLI Welcomes Quartet Of Mayors To Share Gratitude

Mayors of Peacehaven (Debbie Donovan), Seaford (Sally Markwell), Lewes (Imogen Makepeace) and deputy Mayor of Newhaven (Kim Bishop) were welcomed today by Susan Carroll, Newhaven RNLI’s LMG Chair to visit the lifeboat station. Roger Cohen MBE, (LOM) showed them around.
University Of Brighton Launches Health Innovation Hub To Tackle Health Challenges

The University of Brighton today unveiled its groundbreaking new Health Innovation Hub designed to reshape health research, education, and practice by addressing critical health challenges through collaboration, innovation, and education.
New Residential Care Home For Disabled Children In Brighton

Brighton & Hove City Council are developing a new residential home for disabled children and young people in the city.