Hastings bar closure after coronavirus case is ‘great example of good practice’

The Dragon Bar in George Street is shut after a customer who briefly visited the venue tested positive for Covid-19.

The bar plans to reopen as soon as it is safe, the owner said.

But Hastings Borough Council has praised the bar for its response to the case.

A spokesman said: “The council is aware of the closure of the Dragon Bar following a customer testing positive for COVID-19 and the swift actions taken by the owners, in line with Public Health guidelines, to ensure the safety of staff and customers and to prevent the spread of the virus.

“The actions they have taken - closing to deep clean the premises, get all their staff tested and notify all of the customers they have had in the past two weeks from the data recorded on their track and trace forms - is a great example of good practice. It also outlines why capturing customer details for track and trace is so important.”

Businesses in Hastings have faced and continue to face significant challenges due to the pandemic, he added.

The spokesman said: “Their efforts and actions to operate safely are really important and commendable. The council’s environmental health team, who alongside colleagues from Public Heath and other partners have been supporting businesses throughout, are here to provide help and support.

“The council will discuss the matter with Public Health and see if any further action is necessary.

“This incident is a reminder to us all of the continued presence and threat posed by the virus. We must all keep following Public Health guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus and keep ourselves and each other safe.”