People who visited the popular Prestwick bar The BUF recently are being advised to get tested for COVID-19 after some of its staff tested positive for coronavirus.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran issued the call earlier today saying that anybody who attended the Main Street bar between May 22-30 should get tested.

They say that anybody experiencing symptoms of the virus should isolate immediately and book a test.

We reported earlier this week how the owners had taken the decision to close as a precaution against further transmission.

Read more: The Buf Prestwick to shut its doors as a precaution against COVID

It comes as rising COVID case numbers in South Ayrshire have led to a delayed exit from lockdown, with the First Minister announcing yesterday that we will remain in level two for a little while longer due to a surge in cases.

Cases in South Ayrshire increased by almost 600 per cent in a single week, taking us from level one territory to level three.

Read more: COVID level South Ayrshire: Cases increase by nearly 600 per cent

Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health with NHS Ayrshire and Arran issued the following statement to customers of The BUF: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Test & Protect team can confirm that a contact tracing exercise is being carried out within The BUF in Prestwick, following confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

"NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Test and Protect team are undertaking a risk assessment to identify individuals who may have had contact with the confirmed cases. The individuals and their households are being contacted and told to self-isolate for 10 days and book a test. The test should be a PCR test only, accessible by calling 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

"We are also asking customers who have been in The BUF between May 22 and 30 to get tested. If you have developed any of the symptoms of fever, new persistent cough, or loss of taste or smell you need to self-isolate immediately and book a test, accessible by calling 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

"For individuals who have no symptoms please visit an asymptomatic testing site or mobile testing unit near you. There is no need to book and testing is available from the various locations seven days a week from 10am to 6pm. For more information please visit www.nhsaaa.net/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/

"All relevant Public Health measures are in place and our Public Health Team is working with The BUF management team and South Ayrshire Environmental Health Officers to manage and monitor the situation. As a precautionary measure, The BUF has voluntarily closed until contact tracing is complete.

"People living in Ayrshire and Arran are reminded to follow the current guidelines and FACTS to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities.

"The local vaccination programme continues to invite Ayrshire residents forward for their COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine offers the best level of protection against the virus and we encourage everyone to take the opportunity when it’s their turn. At the moment the 30 to 39-year-old age group are being welcomed to appointments at locations around Ayrshire. If you are aged 40 or over and have not received your vaccine appointment for your first dose please call 0800 030 8013 available 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week."