Staff at a Perth city centre pub have been praised for their swift response after the friend of a colleague tested positive for coronavirus.
The Tavern on South Street closed its doors without warning on Wednesday afternoon, after bosses became aware of the connection to a single case.
The member of waiting staff, and several other employees, are now in isolation and the bar and restaurant is undergoing a deep clean.
Customers who attended on Friday – during the staff member’s last shift – have been contacted by local test and protect officers.
A spokesman for the pub said: “We have immediately closed the Tavern as a friend of one of our waiting staff has tested positive for Covid.
“The staff member did work last Friday so as a precaution all staff working that day are self-isolating and/or being tested.”
He added: “All procedures within the bar have been found to be correct and aligned with guidance issued.
“This incidence originated from outwith the premises, but nevertheless it’s best to be safe.
“The whole building is being fully sanitised ready for reopening.”
A customer who was in the bar when it shut said: “All of a sudden the staff just started closing the doors and getting everyone out.
“We weren’t told what was happening, I thought they’d maybe just run out of stock.”
He said: “Then we started hearing whispers that it was related to coronavirus.
“It was a real worry, because I didn’t know if I could just go about my day or visit my mum.”
A sign on the window warns passers-by: “Due to reduced staffing and with following Covid precautions, we are closed until further notice. Sorry for any inconvenience.”
NHS Tayside’s Public Health Team and Perth and Kinross Council’s Environmental Health Team confirmed they were aware of the single case.
A NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “Contract tracing has been completed and those identified as a close contact by the Test and Protect Team have been contacted and advised to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
“The pub voluntarily took the decision to temporarily close.”
Local councillor Eric Drysdale, who chairs the Perth and Kinross Integration Joint Board, which controls the area’s health and social care partnership, praised staff for their quick action.
“I would like to commend the management of the Tavern for their prompt response to the situation they have been faced with,” he said.
“Sporadic cases will unfortunately arise across our community from time to time, but if we do react quickly and thoroughly in this way, we can hopefully continue to minimise case numbers across Perth and Kinross.”
