Coronavirus: Southsea brewery set to open Portsmouth's first drive-thru bottle shop with 'zero contact transaction'

With many people self-isolating or just limiting contact in public places due to coronavirus, Staggeringly Good Brewery has come up with a creative idea to ensure they can sell their products to the public.

The Dino Drive Thru will have its grand opening tomorrow , with punters able to pull up in their cars from 5pm to 7pm to ring the taproom’s newly installed drive-thru bell in St Georges Industrial Estate, Rodney Rd, and order fresh cans and six-packs of their favourite brew.

Paul Judd, bar manager, said: ‘It’s something we’ve thought about for a little while because we have got the facility to do it.

‘We’re thinking very conscientiously about keeping people safe and the limitations of people sitting two metres away from each other.’

This idea of a ‘zero contact transaction’ comes as bars have been made to close across the world, including in the United States, and Staggeringly Good only saw two customers on Thursday so began putting measures in place to keep the business thriving.

Paul added: ‘We’d rather be ahead of the game to look after our customers and our business to get through these times.

‘We’re just making sure our customers are aware of what we’re doing, we know we have a responsibility to make sure we’re not putting ourselves or anyone else in danger.

‘People can rock up in their car, hopefully it’ll make it easier for people to buy our beer.’

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus in Portsmouth: latest updates as government set to consider strict measures, Hampshire cases rise to 55

The business has brought in other safety measures if people still want to get their beers the old-fashioned way, with a barrier in front of the bar and extra cleaning stations for the staff to make sure the site is safe for visitors.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS