SEVERAL North-East venues have closed to undergo a deep clean after a number of customers and staff tested positive for Covid-19.

Two pubs, two social clubs and one italian restaurant have become the latest venues to shut their doors this week.

Last night, The Peacock in Sunderland announced that a member of staff had tested positive for coronavirus and that it would close until the weekend.

In a statement, restaurant bosses said the staff member noticed a change in tasting ability on Tuesday and later tested positive on Wednesday.

It said it has been following hygiene procedures and said affected customers would be contacted by NHS Track and Trace.

Meanwhile, a statement from Ashbrooke Sports Club today confirmed a staff member had tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday.

A statement to trustees said it had instigated a deep clean of the bar areas, and sanitisation of the common areas and toilets. 

It aims to reopen its bar area at 5pm on Thursday.

Sunniside Social Club in Whickham, which said three others including two committee members had tested positive for the virus, will remain shut until September 7.

Yesterday, Italian restaurant Deanos Trattoria, also in Whickham, said it had closed with immediate effect and was contacting all affected customers. 

In a statement, bosses said: "We are closing immediately to allow a company to deep clean the restaurant. Many thanks for your support."

And The One Eyed Stag in Whickham yesterday said a customer had tested positive for the virus.

They said: "We have been informed that unfortunately one of our customers who was in the premises on the evening/night of Saturday 29 August has tested positive for COVID-19."

"We have taken the advise of Public Health England & Gateshead Public Health and they have advised that there is no need for us to close the premises. This being said, we have taken the decision to close immediately to conduct a full deep clean to ensure the safety of our customers and staff."