Coronavirus: Pubgoers are urged to follow social distancing

With a weekend of good weather forecast, Shropshire Council is encouraging people to stay alert and follow social distancing when visiting pubs and bars. The move comes after several incidents nationally where coronavirus cases have been linked to pubs where groups have been close together.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“It is great to see people enjoying themselves following the easing of lockdown measures and I hope many people will support local establishments by taking advantage of the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme.

“I am sure people have seen the headlines about a number of coronavirus cases linked to gatherings at pubs where people have ignored the social distancing guidance. Outbreaks like this are going to happen if people don’t take the right precautions.

“Local pubs and bars have worked tirelessly to put measures in place to keep staff and visitors safe. Customers also must play their part by following the guidance. Please follow any signage or instructions, and remember to observe social distancing – that’s 2m where possible, or 1m as long as you follow the extra mitigating measures to keep yourself and others safe.

“If you feel unwell or have coronavirus symptoms, please stay at home to protect yourself, your loved ones and everyone else.”

Pub

Government guidance

When out eating or drinking with people you do not live with (and who are not in your support bubble), you should keep to the wider guidance on group sizes: up to only two households in the indoors of venues, and up to either two households or six people from more than two households outdoors.

In all cases, people from different households should ensure they socially distance as much as possible. You can sit at a table inside with members of your household and one other household (or support bubble). If you are outside, you can sit with a maximum of five people from other households.

Click here for the latest Government guidance.

Further information

Stay updated with the latest news about coronavirus and Shropshire Council services by signing up to our email bulletins