A Co Antrim pub has closed its doors temporarily after a customer was diagnosed with Covid-19.
The Crooked Glen in Crumlin was forced to pull its shutters down yesterday and will remain closed today in response to the test result.
The venue, which is located on the village's Main Street, said it was forced to take the dramatic step after being told that a customer had tested positive for the potentially deadly virus.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page the venue said that a customer who visited on Saturday has tested positive for Covid-19.
The establishment said that while it has had no official contact from from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council or 'track and trace' authorities it has decided to close for two days to allow “all staff members tested but also have a specialist company provide a full deep clean/risk assessment”.
Management said the well-being of staff and members of he community was at the centre of the decision to close.
“We apologise to anyone who has booked in to visit us over the next two days, however, given the circumstances we have a duty of care to not only our staff but also the local community to ensure we have taken all necessary precautions and to keep our valued customers informed of any such occurrence and detailing our reaction to it, this is key to operating in a safe environment,” it said.
In its statement the business also said that the positive coronavirus result “could be in connection to a separate positive case detected in a local sports team as both parties were in each other’s company”.
The management outlined the steps it had taken in advance of reopening for business a month ago.
This included installing a new beer garden and sanitising units both inside and outside the building.
“Our venue went through a deep clean prior to opening with a daily disinfection clean every morning prior to opening to the public,” it said.
“Our staff were also provided with all necessary training to ensure full adherence to the COVID -19 guidelines.”
The decision to close for the protection of others has prompted an outpouring of good will on social media.
Rachel McCusker said: “That’s a shame but well done guys, taking the proper precautions necessary to ensure the safety of your staff and other customers.”
Sean Brophy added his words of support saying “once again putting staff and customers before profit and proving once again what an asset yous (sic) are in Crumlin - hope to be in soon when you open again best of luck moving forward.”
