Covid-19 cluster linked to Pathhead pub gig

NHS Lothian last night (Tuesday) launched a public appeal after it was made aware of a cluster of Covid-19 cases associated with the The Foresters Pub in Pathhead.

So far a number of people who were at an outdoor event at the pub on Saturday, September 5 have tested positive for the virus and public health consultants say urgent action is needed to prevent further spread of infection.

NHS Lothian is requesting all those who were at the music event at The Foresters Pub on September 5 to self-isolate for the remainder of the incubation period, up to and including Saturday, September 19.

Dr Duncan McCormick, Public Health Consultant at NHS Lothian and Chair of the expert group monitoring the situation said; “We have seen transmission of the virus among patrons who were at The Foresters Pub in Pathhead on 5 September when a music event was held.

“All those who have tested positive so far have been contacted by the national Test and Protect Team and they and their contacts continue to self-isolate at home. A risk assessment has been done and we want everyone who was there at the music event to self isolate to help reduce the risk of onward spread.

“We know cases of Covid-19 are rising throughout Scotland and it is absolutely vital that we all do everything we can to turn this around. We would remind people that music in venues can encourage people to raise their voices which makes it easier for the virus to be transmitted.”

Close contacts of positive cases would be asked to self-isolate for 14 days from the last contact with a confirmed case.

Given the time that has passed between the first person becoming ill and being tested, there are now only four days left of the 14 day incubation period when a person could develop Covid-19.

If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a Covid-19 test because you have developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816.