1% of Test and Trace incidences ‘from hospitality’
Some 22,500 pubs, bars and restaurant venues were represented in the poll carried out by UKHospitality, the British Institute of Inkeeping and the British Beer and Pub Association (UKH, BII and BBPA respectively).
The findings from the survey of the organisations’ members, conducted by CGA, showed that of the collective venues, just 275 Test and Trace contact incidences were reported, equating to 1% of all outlets surveyed.
Just 2.7% of cases
Latest Public Health England data for the 22 October showed hospitality venues were linked to just 2.7% of coronavirus cases for the period.
As a result the trade bodies have reiterated that pubs, bars and restaurants are indeed coronavirus secure venues and should no longer be penalised with curfews and other damaging restrictions imposed on the sector by the Government.
A spokesperson for UKH, BII and BBPA said: “Just 1% of the 22,500 pubs, restaurants and hospitality venues we surveyed said they were linked by NHS Test and Trace to an incidence.
“Public Health England’s own data shows hospitality was most recently linked to just 2.7% of Covid-19 incidences.
“The evidence is clear that pubs, restaurants and hospitality venues are Covid-secure. Singling them out is simply illogical, counterproductive and grossly unfair.”
10pm curfew effectiveness
The spokesperson continued: “SAGE [Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] itself has called into question the effectiveness of the 10pm curfew and it is greatly harming to our sector in medium risk areas. The Government must consider removing the curfew.”
The news follows reports in The Telegraph that SAGE is pushing for further restrictions to be placed on the UK to prevent a more severe second wave.
According to the paper, chief scientific advisor to the Government Patrick Vallance is calling for the stricter measures, which could include a second national lockdown.
