Calderdale pub and school hit by Covid-19 virus

The Pack Horse, on Cain Lane, Southowram, said on social media that it has taken the decision to temporarily close after a recent customer confirmed they tested positive for the deadly virus.

In a seperate incident, Ling Bob Junior Infacts has also closed one of its ‘student bubbles’ after a child tested positive for Covid-19.

Posting on the Facebook page, the pub said: “One of our customers who attended the pub on July 4 has tested positive for Covid-19, after starting with symptoms on Saturday July 11.

“We have not been contacted by NHS test and trace, but as a precaution the pub will be temporarily closed and all staff will be tested.”

Kyomie Armstrong, 24, who lives on Cain Lane, said: “This just seems to be normal now because the virus is still everywhere.

“Personally, I’m happy to remain socially distant from others for the time being.”

“Amanda Jewson, who owns Pappa Jew’s, situated 70 yards away from the pub, said she is also staying away from pubs and bars.

She said: “To see a pub in Southowram, which is a quiet village, temporarily close due to the virus really hits home.

“I’m just concentrating on my business at the moment. I have all the proper PPE and sanitizer, and I won’t be going to the pub anytime soon.

“I feel all the pubs, including The Pack Horse, have done the best they can do to abide by Government social distancing rules, but it’s difficult when alcohol is involved.”

As for the school on Albert Road, Pellon, Public Health England were made aware of the case and have reassured the school it is safe for them to remain open.

Headteacher Philip Simpson said: “Our overriding priority at Ling Bob is to keep everybody as safe as possible. This positive test was a single case and the school followed all the

Public Health England guidance including isolation and thorough cleaning. As a result of this, the school is remaining open.”

Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Deborah Harkins, said: “We’re aware that the management of the Pack Horse pub in Southowram has taken the decision to close after a customer tested positive for Covid-19.

“Due to the timing of the customer’s visit to the pub, we believe there to be minimal risk to other customers. In line with national guidance, those in contact with positive cases are only likely to be at risk if this contact was within the 48 hours prior to and/or the seven days after symptoms develop.

“However, the virus is still active in the community and we should all continue to follow the public health guidance to do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus and prevent further infection

"This includes keeping at least two metres apart from others wherever possible and avoiding crowded places.

"We should also continue to regularly wash our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching our face and follow the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ guidance to help keep ourselves and others safe.”