SEVERAL members of staff at The Aspinall Arms in Mitton have been told to self-isolate for the next 10 days after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

Staff were in ‘close contact’ with someone who tested positive for coronavirus, meaning they were within within 1 to 2 metres of each other for more than 15 minutes or in close face to face contact (under 1 metre) for any length of time. 

As a result, the rest of the staff at the pub are having to change their rota until staff members can return.

Posting to Facebook, they informed pub-goers about the changes currently in place.

The Aspinall Arms wrote: “Today, we have had a few of our crew contacted by NHS Test and Trace as 'close contacts'.

“As a consequence, we have acted swiftly and now have a number of our team self-isolating for the next 10 days, including a few of our managers.

“The safety of our crew and customer is, as always, our number one priority.”

(Facebook/@theaspinallarms)

They added that they have “re-jigged” the rotas, with the head chef swapping roles and serving drinks for a few days until staff can return.

Bookings have also been reduced this week and they will also be “closing a littler earlier”.

They will still be providing food- but this will be from 12-8pm Monday to Saturday and until 6pm on Sunday.

The pub added:"Drinks will be available from 12pm – 8.30pm Monday – Thursday and until 9pm on Friday and Saturday.

"On Sunday we will shut a little earlier at 7pm, until we’re back firing on all cylinders next week."

They added: “You’re in happy and safe hands, until we’re able to welcome those crew currently isolating back to work on, Wednesday 16th June.”

At the time of writing, the post has received more that 200 reactions and 29 shares. People also took to the comments to offer their support to the pub.

One person wrote: “Well done for taking such swift action. Take care and stay safe”

Ms Garrett said: “Fantastic response! I have to say that every time in the last 12 months I have been allowed to go out for food and have found myself here you have been one of the most covid secure venues to visit.”

Last week, The Aspinall Arms spoke out about an ‘industry wide problem’ as more than 150 people failed to shop up for their bookings in a single weekend.

It’s also not the first pub in Lancashire where staff have been told to self-isolate.

The Clog & Billycock in Pleasington, Blackburn remained closed last night after some of the crew were contacted by NHS test and trace.

The Aspinall Arms declined to comment on the situation.

Brunning and Price Limited head office has been approached for comment.