Falkirk pub voluntarily closes after customers test positive for COVID-19

The New Star Inn, in Grahams Road, is now closed for the next week after it was confirmed three customers – and subsequently a member of staff – all tested positive for COVID-19.

Premises manager Vicky Redding told The Falkirk Herald it was the pub management who took the responsible decision to close the premises – even though it had been given the all clear from the authorities – Falkirk Council and NHS Test and Protect – to re-open after the weekend deep clean process.

She said: “We found out about the confirmed case late on Friday night – actually three customers. They had symptoms on Wednesday, took a test on Thursday and got the results on Friday.

“We then took the decision to close the pub and it was shut all day on Saturday and then one of our staff members tested positive. We were told after the deep clean at the weekend we could actually re-open the pub, but we decided to keep it closed and let people fully self isolate.

“We’re going to keep the pub closed until October 15. It’s going to be a big hit for us, but money isn’t everything. Many of our customers are quite elderly and their safety and the safety of staff – all of them have kids – has got to be the main priority.”

NHS Forth Valley stated the New Star Inn team had done everything correctly and by the book.

A spokesperson said: “NHS Forth Valley’s Test and Protect Team is carrying out contact tracing after a number of people who attended the New Star Inn in Falkirk, tested positive for COVID-19.

“The pub took the decision to close voluntarily at the weekend to allow for deep cleaning and all close contacts are being advised to self-isolate as a precaution and offered appropriate advice and support.

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality no further details will be released. Staff at the pub are continuing to work with NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council’s environmental health department in line with national guidance.”