Advertisement

Hundreds told to self-isolate after dozens catch coronavirus at charity football game

Burnside Working Men's Club, where 28 people tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a charity football game. (Google Maps)
Burnside Working Men's Club, where 28 people tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a charity football game. (Google Maps)

Hundreds of people in England have been asked to self-isolate after attending a charity football match to prevent potential spread of coronavirus.

Up to 300 attendees of the game, which took place on the border of Sunderland and Durham near Houghton-le-Spring on 30 August, have been asked to quarantine themselves until 14 days after it took place.

The move came after 28 people who went to the match at the Burnside Working Men’s Club tested positive for COVID-19.

Amanda Healy, director of public health for Durham, said everyone at the event would have to self-isolate unless contacted individually by NHS Test and Trace.

“We are also asking people in the community who have already had a test which has come back negative to self-isolate for 14 days from the 30th because it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear,” she said.

“This is essential if we are to stop the spread of the virus in this community as quickly as possible.”

Watch Yahoo News UK’s explainer video on how to get a coronavirus test if you have symptoms

Gillian Gibson, Sunderland’s director of public health, said: “It’s really important that everyone acts responsibly and follows the public health guidance when outside of the home if we are to keep our community safe.

Read more: School closes after teachers test positive for coronavirus days after reopening

“The best way to help protect our families, friends and neighbours is to follow the basic rules of Hands, Face, Space – wash your hands for 20 seconds often, cover your face in public, stay two metres apart and stay at home if you have symptoms or are waiting for Covid test results.”

The councils said that anyone struggling to self isolate or wondering about tests should visit either Durham’s or Sunderland’s website.

Coronavirus: what happened today

Click here to sign up to the latest news and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter