Staff member at The Liquorist at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth tests positive for Covid-19

Stonegate Pub Company, which owns The Liquorist in Gunwharf Quays, has confirmed that one staff member tested positive. Four were tested.

The venue will remain open, as the staff member was on annual leave when they contracted the virus.

A spokeswoman for Stonegate said: ‘We have been informed by Public Health England, via NHS Track and Trace, that one team member has tested positive for Covid-19.

‘The test was done whilst they were on annual leave and were not in contact with any other members of staff or customers.

‘This individual is now taking all necessary precautions and is self-isolating. Three other unconnected team members have taken tests and all have returned negative.

‘The Liquorist remains open to customers, operating safely under robust Covid-secure measures.’

Formerly Bar 38, the venue opened in March 2018 after a £500,000 revamp.

Hampshire has seen 58 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, three of which were in Portsmouth.

The news comes as some believe a second spike in cases could be on the cards.

Prime minister Boris Johnson announced new rules banning gatherings of more than six people, amid an increase in cases across the UK.

This has had an effect on bars and pubs, with a maximum of six guests per table.

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