Customers of Cannock working men’s club urged to get tested after Covid-19 outbreak
Customers who visited a Cannock social club are being urged to get tested for Covid-19 after an outbreak – whether they have symptoms or not.
The Belt Road Working Men’s Club has now voluntarily closed to allow for a deep clean and further investigations to take place.
Although the club has not been formally identified as the source of the outbreak, it is known that some members who visited the club later tested positive and are likely to have passed the virus on to family and friends.
To date, 11 people have now tested positive. They and their close contacts are all self-isolating.
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Anyone who attended the club between October 12 and October 22 is being advised to book a test immediately, even if they have no symptoms.
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s director of health and care, said: “The Cannock district currently has the highest rate of cases in the county, so we need to act swiftly to contain this outbreak by identifying all those who should be self-isolating.
“There appears to be a link between family and friends socialising and, as a precaution we are asking for everyone who visited the club between the specified dates only, to get a test as soon as possible, even if they have no symptoms.”
Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing, said: “Cases are rising in Cannock and across the county, so we all need to stick to the rules. This includes getting tested if you have symptoms or booking a test if you are asked to do so.
“So if you did visit the club between these dates, please book a test as soon as possible, even if you feel well, as this will help us contain this outbreak as quickly as possible.”
George Adamson, leader of Cannock Chase District Council, said: “As a council we are committed to doing everything to keep Cannock residents safe and our businesses open.
“We managed to secure a testing centre right here in the town to make it easier for people who need to get tested to do so and in turn help prevent the spread of infection.”
There is a testing centre at the Beecroft Road Car Park, Cannock and this can be booked online at nhs.uk/coronavirus. Or by calling 119. People should select the option “my council has asked me to get a test”.
There is also a community testing centre in Essington on Saturday for people without symptoms.
For more information and advice on coronavirus, visit staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.
