A PUB has been linked to 16 positive coronavirus cases, and everyone who visited during the eight-day period has been urged to self-isolate.
The Downsman pub in Crawley, West Sussex, was shut on 19 July after two staff members tested positive for the virus - however, there have now been 16 cases linked to the pub.
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Crawley Borough Council said: "We were notified of an outbreak of Covid-19 at The Downsman pub in Crawley earlier this week and since then Public Health England has been organising contact tracing of staff and customers.
"There are 16 confirmed cases of coronavirus with a link to the pub.
"While this is a relatively small number and may not be the definite source of infection for all these cases, we are asking people to take action to ensure the virus does not spread further.
"If you were in The Downsman pub between 9 and 18 July (excluding the 16 July) please self-isolate for 14 days from the date of your last visit."
The Downsman pub closed temporarily last Sunday, after two members of their team tested positive for coronavirus.
In a statement on Facebook, they said: "The staff members took tests as a precaution despite showing little to no signs of symptoms, and have not been on the premises since early last week and are now self isolating.
PUB COVID CASES
"We have been in contact with Public Health England to make them aware of the situation and as a result we have chosen to close briefly to carry out a further deep clean of the pub as a precaution for the safety of our customers.
"We have followed all of the required steps at this stage and the details of customers who have visited us have been made available to the NHS Test and Trace team.
"We expect to be back open again very soon once we are assured that it is safe to do so.
"Thank you all for your understanding at this time and we hope to see you soon."
This is not the first time that a pub has had to close since reopening on July 4.
The Lighthouse Inn in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, was forced to close after a man tested positive for coronavirus.
The Angel and The Boot and Shoe, both in Ackworth near Wakefield, closed just days after England re-opened bars.
COVID OUTBREAK
A customer who visited The Boot and Shoe pub reportedly tested positive for the killer bug.
The Angel, in Ackworth, West Yorkshire, said they were also closed for deep cleaning after a customer, who visited the pub on Super Saturday, tested positive for the virus.
From today, Friday 24 July, it is mandatory to wear a face mask in England when shopping, going to the supermarket or travelling on public transport.
The government states that people must wear face masks in shops to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
However, one place that you don't have to wear a mask is in a pub.
Crawley Borough Council added: "Coronavirus is still with us and as restrictions are eased it is very important to continue to take action by hand washing with soap and water regularly, keeping a good social distance from people not in your household, wearing a face covering in shops or when keeping a safe social distance is not possible.
"Residents are asked to do everything possible to stop the spread of the virus.
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"If you do visit a pub or restaurant, please record your contact details with the premises.
"West Sussex County Council Public Health and Public Health England are continuing to monitor the situation and will organise contact tracing for any further identified cases who may have visited the pub."
First pubs close after customers test positive for coronavirus just days after super Saturday reopening
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