JD Wetherspoon to reopen Harrogate site after ‘norovirus' closure

JD Wetherspoon is set to reopen one of its sites after closing it on Tuesday due to a suspected outbreak of norovirus.

The company confirmed the issue in a statement after staff at its Winter Gardens Harrogate site reported symptoms consistent with the bug.

However, a company spokesman was quick to assert the closure was a precautionary measure, while a spokesperson for Public Health England has said there is no ongoing health risk.

In a statement to the Harrogate Advertiser, Public Health England's Dr Simon Padfield said: "Investigations to date have identified that those affected visited Wetherspoons, Harrogate, on the weekend of 15/16th September and became ill within a day or so after.

"Symptoms have included diarrhoea and vomiting, and the illness has been short lived. Harrogate Borough Council have advised the premises on cleaning measures and no ongoing health risk has been identified."

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon added: "Staff members reported symptoms that are consistent with norovirus. The cause of the infection is not yet known, but there's no indication that it is food related.

"The closure of the pub and thorough clean down is a precautionary measure as advised by local authorities and Public Health England.

"We welcome the findings of this independent report from Public Health England."

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