A popular Ruddington pub has shut temporarily after a member of its staff tested positive for COVID-19 this morning (Sunday 11th October).
A statement has been issued by The Victoria Tavern, on Wilford Road, which says: “We have, therefore, decided to close today in order to take an opportunity to deep clean all areas. The staff member has not been at work since Friday. Only one member of staff is affected and, at this point, there is nothing to indicate they picked up the virus here. The staff are temperature checked twice a day. In our view, once the deep clean has been carried out by professionals, the pub will be safe to operate and visit.”
Landlady Lindsey and pub manager Mark are now awaiting advice from the NHS ‘Track And Trace’ Service – which will instruct them as to whether they need to get in touch with any recent customers. In fact, government guidance usually does not require that a hospitality business notifies patrons when only a member of staff tests positive. Nevertheless, the pub’s statement continues: “We felt it was crucial that we be open with you now so you know you can trust us to always be open and honest with you. Thanks again for your continued support in these trying times. Please be assured your safety is paramount.”
With extra drinkers turning out on Friday and Saturday night, ahead of a potential Nottinghamshire ‘local lockdown’ this week, the Victoria Tavern had reportedly been turning away customers in order to keep others safe inside. Indeed the pub has received social media praise for implementing even more stringent COVID-safe guidelines than required by law. In addition to recording everyone’s details, these include its one-way system through the pub, table service only with a maximum of FOUR at each table, a mask-on policy for drinkers when not seated and a hand sanitiser at every door.
Responding to the statement, villager Karin Curtis says: “Thanks for being so responsible and open. Wishing a speedy recovery to your staff member” whilst Dave Wakefield adds: “Nice to see a proper pub sticking to the rules. All the best to all at Tavern.”
The Victoria Tavern has now shared the photographs below – showing the deep clean which is taking place inside the pub today…
UPDATE: MONDAY 12th OCTOBER
After yesterday’s deep clean, the The Victoria Tavern is now back in business! The venue has posted on FB: “Delighted to report we will be open as normal, from 12 noon today. Thank you so much for your support, and we look forward to seeing you all.”
Given the recent, alarming surge in Coronavirus cases in Nottinghamshire, and the Prime Minister’s imminent announcement on new ‘local lockdowns’, patrons are keeping their fingers crossed that the pub’s reopening isn’t short lived. It’s quite likely that Ruddington’s hospitality venues will soon be restricted further, or possibly even forced to close again for a limited period, to try to contain the latest COVID-19 outbreak.
