Several hundred people could be infected after Coronavirus outbreak linked to pub

There are "hundreds" of people queuing outside an emergency testing centre in Stone, Staffordshire today, after drinkers at a local pub on certain dates in July were urged to get tested for Coronavirus.

There are long queues at an emergency testing centre in Stone, Staffordshire today. Credit: ITV News Central

It comes after an outbreak has been linked to the premises, where ten people have tested positive for the virus so far.

Health officials are trying to track down several hundred people who might have been exposed to the virus.

Footage has emerged which appears to show crowds of people at the Crown and Anchor pub.

Footage on social media appears to show large numbers of people at the venue Credit: BPM Media
  • Anyone who was at the Crown and Anchor, in Stone, Staffordshire, over the weekend of July 16, 17 and 18 is being told to get swabs done.

  • Anyone who has been in contact with them should get tested.

  • And anyone out in Stone at that time who has developed symptoms should be tested.


The council is aware of the long queues Credit: Staffordshire County Council

The mobile walk-in centre has been set up at Crown Street car park, which is just a short distance from the Crown and Anchor pub.

It will be open from 10am to 5pm today (July 29) and Friday (July 31).

You don't need an appointment.

Medical staff prepare Coronavirus tests in Stone, Staffordshire. Credit: ITV News Central

The pub said on Facebook that it has decided to temporarily close "due to the overwhelming amount of people visiting".

It added that it is reviewing its risk assessment to "deal with the difficulty that we faced with social distancing", but was planning on reopening this weekend.



The Crown and Anchor closed last weekend after saying it had been 'overwhelmed' the previous weekend, and they say they are reviewing their risk assessment.

The Crown and Anchor have posted on their Facebook page Credit: The Crown and Anchor, Stone

A reminder of the Coronavirus rules for going to pubs and restaurants: