Italian pizzeria closed ahead of Euro 2020 rush due to Covid

A popular Italian pizzeria which was gearing up for a busy weekend ahead of the Euro 2020 final has been forced to close due to coronavirus.

Seven members of staff at Tonino’s Pizzeria in Greenock, Inverclyde, have been ordered to self-isolate after a member of the kitchen team tested positive for Covid-19.

Due to the sudden staff shortage and in order to give the premises a deep clean, the decision was taken to close the takeaway with plans to “reopen as early as possible when it is safe to do so”.

In a statement posted to Facebook on Friday, owner Tony Bonatti said the “timing is horrendous” in light of the Italy vs England game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night.

He said: “The timing is horrendous, with Italy playing the Euro championship final on Sunday and us planning pizza parties etc. Not to mention it’s the weekend.

“But nothing is more important to me than the safety and wellbeing of my team and the confidence of our customers.

“The whole team is doing well, with no one showing any symptoms and spirits high.”

Mr Bonatti said the pizzeria had abided by the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 regulations for 14 months and is now working with health teams and NHS Test and Protect to “continue to ensure Tonino’s is a safe environment for staff and customers”.

He added: “There is little to no risk of any spread of the virus outwith our team as they have followed mask and space guidelines and we have contacted everyone concerned as per track and trace instructions.”

The entire shop will undergo a deep clean before it is reopened for delivery, collection and dining guests.

Mr Bonatti added: “I don’t want a single doubt in the mind of my staff or customers that we’re doing the wrong thing and this way can ensure you can all safely return soon.”