More than 1,000 People Tested For COVID-19 After Silverdale Outbreak

More than 1,000 people have now been tested for COVID-19 to help stop the spread of infection following an outbreak linked to a bingo event a fortnight ago today.

There are now 16 known cases linked to the original outbreak at the Silverdale Working Men’s Club on August 16. Anyone who tests positive is being told to self-isolate and their contacts are being traced.

Testing continues over the bank holiday with appointments available online or by turning up at a Mobile Testing Unit in Knutton or a walk-through centre in Newcastle.

As part of our test and trace efforts, the whereabouts of these people while they were unknowingly infectious has been tracked and linked back to a number of premises in Silverdale and in Newcastle.

Anybody who visited one of the 12 premises on the specified dates should get tested as soon as possible.

These are: (New additions in bold)

• Silverdale Working Men’s Club ­­– August 16 to 21
• The Bush pub – 20 August to 22 August
• The Vine pub – 20 August to 23 August
• The George & Dragon pub – 20 August to 22 August
• Newcastle (King Street) Working Men’s Club – 22 August
• The Kiln  – 22 August
• The Crown – 22 August
• Yates in Newcastle – 22 August
• The Roebuck pub – 23 August
• The Bilash restaurant – 24 August
• The Arnold Machin – 26 and 27
• The Westbury Tavern, Clayton – 26 and 27

Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s Director of Health and Care, said: “What we are seeing from test and trace activity is a widening network from the original bingo event as people met with friends and family and went out socialising. 

“More than 1,000 people have already been tested, but we need everyone who was at any of the venues on the given dates to get tested.

“This is vital in our work to identify people who may have the virus and help contain the spread of infection even further.”

Testing is available at:

• A drive-in Mobile Testing Unit at the Old Recreation Centre in Knutton, ST5 6BX from 10:30am to 3:30pm today to Monday 31 August. Walk-through is also available
• A walk-through testing centre is open at the Ryecroft Car Park Newcastle ST5 2AA from 8am to 8pm
• People should book tests online if possible through the national portal at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus  or by phoning 119. Alternatively they can drop in without an appointment at the above, but should wear face coverings and bring ID.

The county council continues to work with Newcastle Borough Council and Public Health England to contain the virus and support local businesses.

All the venues visited by those who have tested positive, like all pubs and restaurants, have carried out COVID-19 risk assessments and with measures in place can continue to open and welcome customers.

People are being reminded to leave their full and correct details if visiting pubs and restaurants to help support the test and trace programme.

The county council continues to advise everyone to follow the guidance to stay safe and protect their families.

This includes:

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and hot water
• Covering your face on public transport and in shops
• Making space, at least 2m, if you do need to go out
• If you are eating or drinking out, leave your contact details
• Stay home for 10 days and book a test if you have symptoms
• Follow the advice of the Test and Trace service if contacted