Hartlepool sports centres close after staff member tests positive for coronavirus

Hartlepool Borough Council officials say they have made moves to reassure customers and staff at leisure facilities across the town following confirmation of the test result.

They say “swift action” was taken to close Brierton and Headland Sports Centres for deep cleansing and to isolate the affected staff member and two colleagues with whom there had been close contact.

The two workers are awaiting the results of their tests and are self-isolating at home.

Whilst the member of staff who tested positive did not have direct contact with customers, one of the others led an exercise class at Headland Sports Centre earlier in the week.

All participants who have attended either Brierton or Headland Sports Centres since Tuesday, September 1, are being contacted to make them aware of the potential risk.

Both of the closed sports centres are now undergoing a deep clean and they are expected to re-open tomorrow, Friday, September 4.

The town’s Mill House Leisure Centre which is not currently open to the public is also undergoing a precautionary deep clean.

Brierton’s reopening was delayed last month when a member of staff tested positive for the virus.

Ian Gardiner, the council’s head of leisure, recreation and participation, said: “As ever, the safety of our customers and staff is paramount, and immediate action was taken as soon as we became aware of this situation.

“This has included carrying out a deep clean of facilities and ensuring that staff and customers are kept fully informed of the potential risk.

“We apologise for any inconvenience the closure of the two sports centres has caused, but we are confident of being able to re-open tomorrow once the deep cleansing has been completed.”Both centres will be safe and clean and we will look forward to once again welcoming customers back.

“With regard to Mill House Leisure Centre and following recent emergency repairs, we hope to be able to confirm a timescale for reopening over the coming days.”

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