NORTHWICH Memorial Court has reopened today after it was forced to shut due to a customer testing positive for coronavirus.

The leisure centre in Chesterway reopened on Saturday July 25, but was forced to close down yesterday, Monday, for Covid-19 procedure when they were notified that a customer who had used the facility had tested positive for the virus.

It closed immediately, but has now moved to reassure customers that it is back open today, Tuesday, and safe to use.

Anyone who has come into close contact with the customer will be contacted by the NHS to inform them they must stay at home for 14 days to protect their families, friends and communities.

Brio's Winsford Lifestyle Centre was also forced to close yesterday over Covid-19 concerns but for a separate issue.

Staff there were notified of a customer feeling unwell with some signs of coronavirus symptoms, and as a precaution, the leisure centre in Winsford had to be closed for a deep clean.

Winsford Lifestyle Centre has also reopened fully today.

Northwich Guardian:

A spokesman for Brio said: "Both centres underwent a thorough deep cleaning and disinfecting process, in line with Brio Leisure’s Emergency Action Plan, and have since been inspected by a member of the public health team and were approved to reopen.

"These are isolated incidents affecting Winsford Lifestyle Centre and Northwich Memorial Court only. No other Brio centres are impacted by the closures and remain open as normal."

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Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, has spoken to reassure residents of the 'robust measures' that are in place but has also appealed to anyone with symptoms to 'play your part and stay at home'.

Cllr Gittins said: “We would like to reassure customers that there are robust measures in place at all our centres to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and that these closures at the two centres are in place today to enable thorough cleaning following these two separate cases.

“Our advice remains to everyone that if you are feeling unwell, play your part by staying at home to protect lives and do not hold off on getting a free test by calling the NHS on 119.

“Please do not visit any places, including leisure centres, a GP surgery or a pharmacy, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms – get a test to check if you have Coronavirus and stay at home until you get your result.

“If you feel well, the advice remains to please continue to follow government guidelines, maintaining two-metre social distancing wherever possible and continuing to regularly wash your hands.”