A BAR has closed until the middle of next week following a "number of positive cases of COVID-19 associated" with the Bournemouth town centre venue.

All visitors to the Exter Road premises over a five-day period have also been advised to get a Covid test as "precaution".

Public health and council officials have been working with venue, with close contacts of the cases identified and advised to self isolate.

In a statement on Facebook, Bar So said it will remain closed over the weekend and re-open next Wednesday.

Anyone who visited the premises between Saturday, May 29 and Wednesday, June 2, is being asked to take a PCR Covid test even if they have not been identified as a close contact.

Bar So's statement on Facebook said: "We have been informed of a number of positive cases of COVID-19 associated with Bar So.

"We have been working with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Public Health England South West to take any necessary action.

"Close contacts of the cases have been identified and advised to self-isolate.

"However, as a precaution Public Health England and the local public health team and ourselves are asking anyone who visited Bar So on any day from Saturday 29 May up to and including Wednesday 2 June to take a PCR test, (even if they have not been contacted via NHS Trace & Trace).

"You can book this test online at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 and state that you have been asked to do so by your local council or health protection team.

"If you have any symptoms, then you must self-isolate immediately and get tested https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

"Bar So will remain closed this weekend and re-open on Wed 16th June. All existing bookings during this period will be automatically be refunded in full. Please note refunds for card payments take 5-10 working days.

"Thank you for your co-operation in this matter."

The Daily Echo has contacted Public Health Dorset and BCP Council for comment.