Exclusive: Landlord apologises as pub linked to Covid-19 outbreak in Staffordshire reopens
Watch Daniel Skipp's exclusive interview with the pub landlord
The landlord of the Crown and Anchor in Stone in Staffordshire has apologised as he reopens following an outbreak of coronavirus that was linked to the pub last month.
22 cases were confirmed in the days following a large gathering which took place over the weekend of July 17.
After the outbreak was discovered, around 1,000 people stepped forward to be tested after a mobile unit was deployed to the town to test potentially infected residents.
Footage on social media appeared to show large numbers of people at the venue - Credit: BPM Media
Now, pub owner Custodio Pinto says that upon reopening, social distancing will be monitored closely, and customers will not be able to stand up to socialise.
Today, ITV Central's Daniel Skipp spoke to landlord, Custodio Pinto, who told us he regrets not doing enough to enforce social distancing rules.
A reminder of the Coronavirus rules for going to pubs and restaurants:
People have been allowed back into pubs and bars under strict conditions since 4th July.
You should give your name and contact details on arrival in case the venue needs to trace you following an outbreak.
Follow the ‘one metre plus’ social distancing guidance at the very least.
Do what the venue asks - most will meet you on arrival, seat you, provide table service to minimise movement, and have a one-way system in place.
Use hand sanitizer, follow floor markings and limit the number of people in the toilets.
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