URGENT WARNING FOR RICHARDSON & WESTGARTH SPORT & SOCIAL CLUB CUSTOMERS

This important public health guidance is being issued by Hartlepool Borough Council following a number of positive cases linked to the Richardson & Westgarth Sport & Social Club on Winterbottom Avenue.

Anyone who visited the club between Sunday 18 October and Tuesday 20 October must self-isolate for a 14-day period from the date they were last there.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, Craig Blundred, said: “We’re asking people to self-isolate because they’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

“We’re working closely with the club and are contacting those people we have been provided details for.

“However, it is vital anyone who visited the club between Sunday 18 October and Tuesday 20 October isolates immediately to stop the spread of the virus as quickly as possible.

“Whilst the club is currently closed, we are also supporting the management with their plans to reopen safely and they will confirm a reopening date as soon as they can.”

Neil Clarke, Richardson & Westgarth Sport & Social Club Secretary, said: “We’re very grateful to Hartlepool Borough Council for their support during this challenging time and I would encourage everyone who visited our site between Sunday 18 October and Tuesday 20 October to follow the advice and self-isolate.

“The club is currently closed and will be deep cleaned prior to reopening.”

How do I self-isolate?

• Self-isolating means staying at home other than for medical reasons such as attending a test.

• Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis.

• Do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family, except for people providing essential care.

• Do not go outside even to buy food or other essentials – order it online or by phone. Any exercise must be taken within your home.

What about people who need help to self-isolate?

If you or someone you know needs advice or support, Hartlepool Support Hub can help you stay safe and stay connected.

You can contact the Support Hub by: 

Telephone: 01429 272905 (10am - 4pm Mondays to Fridays) 

Email: helping@hartlepool.gov.uk (please provide your contact details and we will get back to you) 

I was in Richardson & Westgarth Sport & Social Club on those days – do I need to book a test?

You should only book a test if you have symptoms.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

If you have one or more of these symptoms – no matter how mild – book a test either online or by calling 119.

Please note, if you were in Richardson & Westgarth Sports & Social Club on any of those days and get a test and your result is negative, you must still complete your 14 full days of self-isolation. This is because it can take time for symptoms to develop.

Can I get financial support if I’m off work due to self-isolating?

If you are working, on a low-income and have lost income due to being told to self-isolate on or after September 28, you could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support payment.

Hartlepool residents can apply for support at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/testandtracepayment  

There’s more advice on the financial support available if you cannot work due to COVID-19 or self-isolating at www.gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support.

Where can I get more information and advice?

You can contact the Council’s Public Protection Team on 07970107043 or email public.protection@hartlepool.gov.uk

You can also keep up with all Coronavirus (COVID-19) related developments in the Borough via the Council’s webpage www.hartlepool.gov.uk/coronavirus-info

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