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Glasgow pub hit by coronavirus as drinker tests positive after returning from holiday

The Swinton Tavern
The Swinton Tavern

A Glasgow pub carried out its own track and trace service after discovering one of its customers had coronavirus amid a growing number of outbreaks linked to bars in Scotland.

The Swinton Tavern explained they did not want to wait days for the NHS to reach out after the customer contacted them about his diagnosis.

The management said they decided “to do the right thing” and to contact all customers straight away.

They also tested their staff, all of which had come back negative.

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In a statement on Facebook, the pub said the person had just returned from holiday and had not quarantined when they returned to Scotland.

It is unclear if the customer had been holidaying in a country exempt from the current quarantine rules for foreign arrivals.

Aberdeen was put on lockdown yesterday after the city saw a surge in coronavirus cases linked to pubs, with all premises ordered closed from 5pm last night for at least seven days.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, wearing a Tartan face mask during a visit to New Look at Ford Kinaird Retail Park in Edinburgh.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, wearing a Tartan face mask during a visit to New Look at Ford Kinaird Retail Park in Edinburgh.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the decision after a cluster fo 54 cases linked to 28 different bars were discovered.

She recently said pictures of young people gathering in pubs and ignoring social distancing was “exactly what we feared” and it made her want to cry.

The statement from the Swinton said: "We would like to update you all, as most of you are aware we have been informed by someone that was on our premises they have tested positive for covid.

"This person was on holiday and did not quarantine on their return. We decided as management that we would not await the official phone call from the NHS which can take days. We tried to do the right thing in letting our customers know!

"We are getting so many supportive comments and we thank you. We are also getting some backlash and negativity!"

"We are also aware that there is other establishments who have had positive cases but are choosing not to announce this.

"We made this decision to let everyone know and to try our best to eliminate the spread.

"Let’s also remember that someone has tested positive and we wish them a full recovery. We hope you all understand.

"Our priority is for everyone to be aware and stay safe."

They Swinton also said they were strictly following the guidelines with, hand sanitizer stations, markings on the floor, better track, and trace and 'constant' deep cleans.

It is unclear if the pub remains open.

Speaking yesterday the First Minister said: "This virus hasn't gone away - if you doubted that, then today we have evidence of how true that is."

She added the figures "underline why it was so important that we took strong and decisive action yesterday to try to keep this outbreak under control."

The new rules in Aberdeen mean residents cannot travel more than five miles for recreational purposes, although people can still travel to work.

Signage on a shop window on Union Street in Aberdeen after bars, cafes and restaurants were ordered to close on Wednesday. (PA)
Signage on a shop window on Union Street in Aberdeen after bars, cafes, and restaurants were ordered to close on Wednesday. (PA)

The Scottish government is also advising against travel to the city.

Aberdeen is the third area in the UK to be put under a local lockdown after Leicester and a large area of the North West of England including Greater Manchester.

Some 20 towns and cities are across the UK are currently subject to increased lockdown measures.

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