Keswick’s hospitality sector has been hit hard by the so-called ‘pingdemic’ with some businesses being forced to close because of self-isolating workers.
Exacerbating the already critically understaffed sector, businesses are having to limp on with 20 per cent fewer members of staff prompting concerns that many might not survive the winter.
More than 30,000 people across Cumbria had to self-isolate after being in contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19 in the week up to July 21 – up by more than 2,000 on the previous fortnight.
Once ‘pinged’ by the NHS test and trace app, people must isolate for up to 10 days.
“The ‘pingdemic’ is the latest hit to tourism businesses who are trying to build back after months of closure,” said Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism.
“With recruitment already a major issue, the situation is further compounded by staff being informed of the need to self-isolate – even after testing negative. Our snapshot survey estimates companies are having to cope with around 20 per cent less staff on top of many vacant positions.
“As an industry we have worked hard to put the safety of staff and communities first but with many government support schemes coming to an end there is a real danger of businesses being unable to recuperate enough to survive the upcoming winter.”
Under considerable threat are venues with a small number of staff like Lake Road Brunch in Keswick which had to close after a staff member developed symptoms on shift and later tested positive.
A statement from the eatery explained that the employee was not in close contact with other members of staff. Everyone else present tested negative and a deep clean was undertaken allowing the team to reopen the restaurant after closing for only two days.
“The actions we have taken have exceeded both Government and NHS guidelines, our social distancing and other preventative measures make us one of the safest places to come,” read the statement.
Keswick Rugby Club’s steward – the venue’s only full-time employee – was ‘pinged’ and the bar had to close. It has since reopened, the Keswick Reminder understands.
Staff in the food supply chain, transport sectors and emergency services are exempt from isolating when pinged providing they supply a negative PCR test and undertake a lateral flow swab daily.
But despite lobbying Government ministers confirmed no such allowances will be made for bar, restaurant and hotel workers.
A Cumbria Chamber of Commerce spokesman said: “The number of people ‘pinged’ by the NHS COVID-19 tracing app has intensified the strain on supply chains while we’re aware of a number of businesses across the county struggling to continue due to its impact on an already ‘crisis’ level issue in staffing.”
