STAFF shortages due to the pingdemic has led WestBeach restaurant to cancel all bookings this evening, or offer a reduced menu of fish and chips.

Diners at WestBeach on Pier Approach have been contacted by the restaurant to say, that due to chefs self-isolating, they will be offering a reduced menu of just appetisers or fish and chips.

The restaurant advised customers that due to a number of staff being pinged by the NHS track and trace app, they are now "extremely understaffed" in the kitchen.

Customers who had pre-booked a table for this evening, Monday, August 16, were contacted by email to discuss whether they keep their booking, cancel or dine at an alternative venue owned by the same establishment.

People were offered tables at W Beach Bar for drinks and tapas until 7pm or Aruba on Bournemouth Pier. 

In their email the restaurant said they were "deeply sorry for this inconvenience". 

The news comes amid a change in self-isolation rules from today. 

People who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer have to isolate if they come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

This means that those who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine, or are under 18, will not have to spend 10 days in quarantine if they are a contact of a positive case.

The new guidance will apply to people who had their final dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before coming into contact with a positive case.

People who test positive will still be legally required to self-isolate.