A Bristol restaurant has been forced to close due to a positive coronavirus case among staff for the second time in the space of two weeks.
Sonny Stores first shut on June 30 after an employee returned a positive Covid test, and had only been open again for one week before another member of staff tested positive yesterday (July 13).
Restaurant co-owner Mary Glynn told Bristol Live the independent business lost around £15,000 in missed takings and wasted produce during the first period of closure.
Read more: Test and trace rules 'making it impossible' for restaurant owners
She hopes her Southville restaurant, which has earned a string of glowing reviews since opening last year, will be back up and running tomorrow (July 15).
It is not thought the infected staff member came into contact with any customers.
"Due to another positive case on our team, we are having to close once more," reads a statement shared on Sonny Stores' social media pages.
"All our staff members are awaiting PCR results and, all being well, we will reopen on Thursday, July 15 with a reduced team.
"We have no reason to believe that any customer has been in contact with the affected person.
"Thank you for your continued support and patience. We will keep you updated with any further news. Every booked customer will be contacted as soon as possible."
Restaurant owners across Bristol and further afield have been calling on the Government to alter the self-isolation rules, as they warn of rapidly increasing staff shortages related to Covid.
As it stands, the test and trace system forces already struggling hospitality businesses to reduce their hours or shut as whole teams may need to self-isolate.
Self-isolation rules are due to change on August 16, but businesses across a number of different sectors are urging the Government to bring the changes forward.
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