Small number of positive COVID-19 cases being managed in Devizes

Wiltshire Council and Public Health England are working together to manage a small number of positive COVID-19 cases associated with some players at Devizes Football Club, and The Cavalier pub in the town.

Three of the positive cases are players of Devizes Football Club, who recently returned from abroad, and two further cases have also been identified, all of whom recently attended the Cavalier Pub.

Anyone identified as a close contact of a positive case will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service. Contacts of a confirmed case should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14 days. 

The pub has a number of COVID-19 safety measures in place and has chosen to close to carry out a deep clean. The pub is due to reopen on Thursday (10 September). Devizes Football Club won't play in any fixtures until after 15 September.

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire Council said: "We have worked swiftly with all those involved to closely manage this small number of positive cases and we thank them for their cooperation.

"I would like to remind the local community that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to regularly wash your hands, maintain social distancing and to continue to stay at home as much as possible.

"If anyone starts to develop coronavirus symptoms, such as a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, please self-isolate and book a test. We mustn't be complacent and all have to play our part to minimise the risk of people contracting the disease. If you have been told to self-isolate you do not need to take a test unless you develop symptoms. If you develop symptoms then your whole household should self-isolate and you should be tested."

Lauren Jones, who alongside her husband, runs The Cavalier, said: "We thank Wiltshire Council and Public Health England for their support during this time. We pride ourselves on being a community pub and the safety of everyone who visits us is our number one priority. We have a great relationship with our customers and we've kept everyone informed on the situation as the last thing we want is people worrying. We already had a number of COVID measures in place, but have taken some time out to make sure the pub is even more safe and we really appreciate everyone's support to adhere to what's in place. We're looking forward to opening up and welcoming people back."

Neil Fautley, the Club Secretary at Devizes Football Club, said: "We've worked closely with the council and Public Health England throughout this. We have measures in place at the club to protect everyone as much as possible, but people have to take personal responsibility when in their own time and make sure they follow all the guidance carefully. We all hated not being able to play football during lockdown and it's a shame we can't do so again for a little while, but it's completely understandable."

The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to regularly wash hands, maintain social distancing and wear face coverings when in enclosed spaces.