One of Dundee’s busiest pubs has been allowed to remain open after a number of staff members contracted the coronavirus.
Three employees at the Counting House, owned by UK-pub chain JD Wetherspoon, have tested positive for Covid-19 and a further 25 were told to self-isolate.
The first member of staff, who tested positive on September 16, is due to return to work later this week.
None of the others in isolation have developed symptoms.
Workers have been drafted in from the chain’s Blairgowrie, Broughty Ferry, Arbroath and Perth pubs to keep the Counting House running.
Dundee City Council officials have given the pub the green light to remain open, despite the test results.
A JD Wetherspoon spokesman said: “Thankfully the three employees who tested positive for Covid-19 are experiencing mild symptoms only.
“Wetherspoon has been in close contact with the local health authorities regarding these cases, who have not advised that the premises should close.
“Since reopening in August, staff have been conducting regular surface cleaning and numerous hand sanitisers have been installed in each pub.
“The operating procedures and hygiene practices implemented by the company mean that all hand contact points are frequently cleaned and sanitised throughout the day.
“Pubs are also thoroughly cleaned at the end of every trading day.”
The spokesman said Wetherspoon had implemented a number of social distancing measures since reopening in all its pubs. These include reduced capacity levels, the spacing out of tables, the installation of a number of floor screens between tables and the addition of till-surround screens to the bar.
“While it is not possible to create an entirely risk-free environment, adherence to social distancing guidelines and rigorous implementation of hygiene standards minimises the risk,” he added.
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Council officers are working with Dundee Health Protection Team colleagues to monitor the situation.”
The Scottish Hospitality Group, which represents several groups across the country, said only 17 cases of Covid-19 have been linked to its premises since reopening.
The body — which is not affiliated with JD Wetherspoon but represents chains including the DRG Group, Buzzworks Holdings, Signature Pubs, Montpeliers and more — say the figure shows that the industry has been disproportionately affected by government restrictions.
