THE FOX and Hounds pub in Hanging Heaton has had to close after a customer tested positive for coronavirus.

The pub has announced that will be closed until further notice.

In a statement on the pub's Facebook page it says a customer who was in the pub on Saturday subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.

It said that the customer did not have any symptoms at the time but after hearing about an infection at another place they visited they decided to get tested.

Pub manager Kevin said he and all the staff were being tested and the pub deep cleaned.

The statement says: "Following our announcement this morning that we will be closed until further notice I’d like to put all rumours and speculations straight that are currently floating about.

"This morning I got a phone call off a customer which visited our pub on Saturday to say they’d tested positive for coronavirus.

"On their visit they was unaware and had no symptoms but after seeing a post off another place they’d visited thought it was best to take a test to which come back positive. Due to privacy reasons we won’t be naming this person.

"Following this information we are awaiting further guidance from NHS and track and trace.

"Myself and all staff have taken a test today and we should have results back within 48 hours. The pub will be fully deep cleaned and when safe to do so we will reopen our doors.

"We fully understand this is a scary time but want to ensure our customer safety is our main priority in these tough times. Over the past few weeks we have put a lot of hard work into the pub following government guidance to get us opened back up.

"Anyone that has visited us this weekend can see our new layout of tables of 1 metre plus, our one-way systems, full table service and continuously cleaning throughout.

"If anyone thinks they may have symptoms then please seek advice from 111."

In a posting on Saturday, the pub said it had followed all the guidance that is in place is following government guidance and the authorities.

It was to be working at reduced seated capacity indoors of 60 people no more.