Council leader urges caution as Covid-19 cases rise in Rugby, affected three businesses and two schools

Rugbeians are being cautioned as cases begin to increase - but the council leader stressed that cases in the borough remain low when compared to other areas
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Two schools, two pubs and a cafe have been affected as positive cases of Covid-19 in Rugby increased over the last week.

The Lawrence Sherriff and Butler’s Leap pubs closed for a deep clean, with the Butler’s Leap is likely to remain closed while staff self-isolate unless a replacement team can be brought in.

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And, as of Friday, September 4, Kaspa's Desserts is closed until further notice.

Rugby Town Hall, file image.Rugby Town Hall, file image.
Rugby Town Hall, file image.

In a public statement, a spokesperson for Kaspa's Desserts said a customer who had visited on Monday, August 31, had since tested positive for Covid-19.

St Matthew’s Bloxham Primary and Bilton High Schools have also both had positive cases.

A spokesperson for Rugby Borough Council said: "It is important to note that none of these establishments are believed to be the source of an outbreak – they have simply been visited by individuals who have subsequently tested positive.

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"All have cooperated with our environmental protection team on track and trace as well as on preventive measures and deep cleaning.

"The majority of recent cases are among younger people.

"We are working with communications colleagues at partner organisations to put out consistent messaging to reach all demographics and age groups, including this group.

"It is important to continue to promote community cohesion and responsible behaviours that protect others."

Speaking on livestream at Rugby council's September 7 Cabinet meeting, council leader Seb Lowe urged caution, but stressed that cases in the borough remain minimal compared to other areas.

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He said: "As many of you will be aware, this weekend has seen an increase in the number of positive cases of covid-19 in Rugby.

"These cases have affected a small number of pubs and restaurants and two of our schools.

"Our environmental protection team are working with the affected premises to keep them safe and to trace anyone who may need a test.

“Throughout this pandemic residents have done what’s right for Rugby. They have stayed at home during the lockdown period, they have kept their distance, washed their hands and worn face coverings where required.

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"Because of that, Rugby has seen relatively few cases compared to elsewhere in the county and elsewhere in England.

“We must now ask our residents to renew their vigilance.

"We can continue to enjoy going back to school, visiting the shops and eating out - if we are careful to keep apart, wash our hands and wear a face covering.

“If we get a new, persistent cough, a loss of taste or smell, or a high temperature, we should stay at home except to get a test.

“By doing this, we will be doing the right thing for Rugby – we will be protecting each other.”

Nationally, cases of Covid-19 are once again on the increase - although the number of deaths attributed to the virus is in decline.

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