More businesses in Falmouth and Penryn have announced they are to temporarily shut as a result of a Covid outbreak in the area.

Yesterday the Packet revealed how health officials were working with businesses in Falmouth following an outbreak of Covid-19 cases at what was described as 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.

The council said that no businesses had been asked to close, but today two in the area have posted messages to customers on social media saying that they were shutting for a period of time, after both having a positive test recorded.

Boo Koos Falmouth wrote: "It is with great regret that due to a case of Covid-19 within our establishment we will be following government guidelines and closing with immediate effect for a period of time.

"We are actively working on isolating this case and testing those that may have come in contact so that we can establish a reopening date. During this, our team are working hard to contact all reservations scheduled for the next few days to inform them of how this affects their booking via email or text.

"Please note that whilst we are working on initiating a reopening date, there will be certain days of which we are currently unable to confirm or cancel before we know more. Thank you for your patience with us at this time. We really hope to see you soon!"

And it is a similar situation at Muddy Beach in Penryn, which has said: "Unfortunately we have had to close Muddy as of today (Saturday) due to a member of staff testing positive for Covid.

"We are awaiting PCR results – this will then set in motion the Track and Trace app and we will also notify anyone that left their name and number with us over the past two days. All staff working the past two days are also being tested and isolating.

"We thank you all for your continued support and we are just battling this horrible storm. We will re-open Muddy when it is safe to do so after ten days.

"It’s been a bit of a crazy week with staffing issues, and now this! However we will get through this and will see you all soon."

It comes after Verdant Seafood Bar reported on Twitter yesterday that, while not one of the businesses with a positive case, due to a shortage of staff it was having to temporarily close.

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."

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 followed news earlier on Friday that a positive coronavirus test onboard the mega-ferry Silja Europa, housing around 1,000 police officers during the G7 Summit, had led to 12 officers now isolating.

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Friday's daily update on the Covid situation locally and nationally saw 82 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly during the previous 24 hours, after cases tripled to 60 on Thursday from 21 in Wednesday's government update.

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.”