COVID-19 outbreak: Urgent warning for Billingham Catholic Club customers

The public health guidance is being issued by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council after 20 positive cases were linked to the club.

Anyone who was at the club on October 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 must self-isolate for a 14-day period from the date they were last there.

The Council's Director of Public Health, Sarah Bowman-Abouna, said: "The club's management did the right thing and contacted us for support after what initially looked like a small number of cases. But test results coming through in the last few days have made it clear this a significant outbreak.

"We're working together to contact customers who visited on any of the five days from Saturday, October 10 through to Wednesday, October 14. Although tracing has gone well, we're taking a 'belt and braces' approach by making this public appeal in the interests of tracing as many people as possible so they can self-isolate and help us limit any further spread.

"I'd like to stress that the club has had appropriate COVID-19 measures in place throughout this, including table service, regular cleaning and test and trace procedures in line with national guidance. The club is currently closed due to a number of staff having to self-isolate but we are supporting management with their plans to reopen and they will confirm a reopening date as soon as they can."

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.

And 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?

The COVID Community Support Team can support vulnerable and elderly residents with food deliveries, shopping, picking up prescriptions or making sure people who are self-isolating and may be worried or lonely get the support they need.

The team can be contacted on 01642 733906 between 9am and 12noon, Monday to Friday or by emailing covidcommunitysupport@catalyststockton.org.

I was in Billingham Catholic 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 were in Billingham Catholic Club on any of those five days and get a test and your test 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.

Where can I get more information and advice?

You can contact the Council's Public Health team on 01642 528474 or email COVIDoutbreak@stockton.gov.uk.

You can also keep up with all Coronavirus (COVID-19) related developments in the Borough via the Council's webpage Stockton Borough Council.