People warned to avoid pubs where 'social distancing is not good' after Sandwell outbreak
A council leader has warned people to avoid pubs where "social distancing is not good" following a coronavirus outbreak in Sandwell.
A further 70 people who attended the event have been asked to self-isolate until August 16 as a precaution.
Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council's leader, praised pub staff for taking customers details' and notifying public health officials of the positive cases.
However the local authority was not able to confirm how many attendees have been contacted through the test and trace system, or if any further cases linked to the pub have been reported.
The pub closed voluntarily last Thursday.
Councillor Crumpton said: "We need all pubs and restaurants to do this, as well as be very careful about social distancing.
"Please, do avoid pubs, restaurants and shops where social distancing is not good. Any social gathering is risky right now."
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All pubs in the borough are now being urged to record customers' contact details following the outbreak.
It comes after Sandwell has seen a surge in cases in the past month, with Smethwick and West Bromwich becoming hotspots.
The local authority has further warned that businesses can be shut down for operating dangerously.
It follows the temporary closure of the Holly Bush Pub in Cradley Heath, on Monday, which was given a 48 hour closure notice after holding a loud drum and bass gig outside.
Councillor Jo Hadley, cabinet member for safer communities, added: "All Sandwell businesses need to act responsibly to limit the spread of Covid-19 and make sure their customers are safe.
"We want Sandwell businesses to ensure they are aware of the rules and to stick to them.
"If we find premises that aren’t operating safely, we do have powers available to close them down in conjunction with the police."
