Health officials are working with businesses in Falmouth following an outbreak of Covid-19 cases at a "small number" of hospitality venues.

Cornwall Council and Public Health England South West are said to be offering support and advice to the businesses, with affected staff now self-isolating.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "We are aware of confirmed cases of Covid-19 at a small number of hospitality venues in Falmouth. All positive cases are self-isolating and contacts are being identified and given appropriate advice.

"The venues are working closely with Cornwall Council’s Public Health team and Public Health England (PHE) South West to help prevent further transmission. No venues have been asked to close.

"While Covid-19 cases remain relatively low in Cornwall, we are now seeing a sharp rise in case numbers which reflects the national picture over the past fortnight."

It follows news earlier today that a positive coronavirus test onboard the mega-ferry Silja Europa, housing around 1,000 police officers during the G7 Summit, has led to 12 officers now isolating.

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There have been 82 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly during the last 24 hours, after cases tripled to 60 yesterday from 21 in Wednesday's government update.

Although no businesses have been asked to close by the council, some are finding themselves in that position anyway due to isolating staff.

Verdant Seafood Bar reported on Twitter that due to a shortage of staff it was having to temporarily close, while stressing that none of its staff members had actually tested positive for Covid-19 themselves.

Under government guidelines anyone who has come into contact with someone testing positive for the virus must themselves self-isolate for ten days as a precaution, in case they go on to develop it.

The bar said: "Unfortunately due to isolating staff (NOT positive) and subsequent shortage, but more importantly the current Covid climate here in Fal, we have taken the decision to close until 23rd. If you have a booking we apologise and are currently contacting everyone to cancel/reschedule."

Rachel Wigglesworth, director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “We are working with these venues, Public Health England South West and our NHS partners to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus.

“Our case rates in Cornwall are relatively low compared to the rest of the country, and we need everyone to help us keep it that way. It is vital that people don’t drop their guard as we enter the summer holiday season and we all continue to follow the latest public health guidance, remember ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’, self-isolate when required, and get the vaccine when you’re eligible to do so.

“I would also urge everyone to make twice-weekly testing part of their routine so we can identify cases even when people have no symptoms. Rapid Lateral Flow Tests are free of charge and can be picked up from your local pharmacy or ordered online.

“If anyone does develop symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away and book a test.”