A PUB in Sussex has been closed after two members of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The Downsman, in Wakehurst Drive, Southgate, closed today.

In a statement, the pub said: "We have taken the decision to temporarily close The Downsman after two members of our team tested positive for Covid-19 this afternoon.

"The staff members took tests as a precaution despite showing little to no signs of symptoms, and have not been on the premises since early last week and are now self isolating.

"We have been in contact with Public Health England to make them aware of the situation and as a result we have chosen to close briefly to carry out a further deep clean of the pub as a precaution for the safety of our customers.

The Argus:

  • The pub is in Crawley

"We have followed all of the required steps at this stage and the details of customers who have visited us have been made available to the NHS Test and Trace team.

"We expect to be back open again very soon once we are assured that it is safe to do so.

"Thank you all for your understanding at this time and we hope to see you soon."

The pub was open yesterday and had also been doing deliveries and takeaways from its Indian menu.

>> SEE ALSO: Sussex town has 12th highest coronavirus rate in England after spike in cases

Covid rates have increased in many parts of Sussex, latest figures revealed.

The statistics, released by the Government, show the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority in England.

The figures, which are for the seven days to July 14, are based on tests carried out in laboratories (pillar one of the Government's testing programme) and in the wider community (pillar two).

The rate is expressed as the new number of new cases per 100,000 population.

Brighton and Hove's rate has increased from 1.7 to 4.5, Eastbourne's has increased from 10.7 to 19.4 and Worthing's has rocketed from 0.9 to 6.4.