The “devastated” owner of the nightclub linked to the meningitis outbreak in Kent has revealed to GB News that health officials contacted her with an “unusual” warning via Instagram.
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of club Chemistry, told Martin Daubney she was initially “taken aback” by the Government’s method of messaging her over social media due to the nature and severity of the outbreak.
Despite originally finding the message “unusual”, Mrs Jones-Roberts admitted: “Actually, I think it was quite intelligent [to message via Instagram]. It was somebody thinking on their feet, it was late afternoon on Sunday.”
She added that, had the senior health official contacted her via email, it may not have been picked up until Monday.
“We were able to start communicating to all of our followers across all of our social media platforms, to warn everybody of the symptoms, what to look out for and what to do.”
The venue owner also revealed that one of her own staff saw the social media messages, and, following the advice, checked himself into a local hospital.
He has since been confirmed as one of the now 15 cases of meningitis in Kent and remains in hospital.
The outbreak has led to two deaths so far. Year 13 student Juliette, 18, has been named as one of the dead. Her family said they are “beyond devastated,” and they have “no words to express their loss”.
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of club Chemistry, told Martin Daubney she was initially ‘taken aback’ by the Government’s method of messaging her over social media due to the nature and severity of the outbreak
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GB NEWS
A student at the University of Kent has also died.
Mrs Jones-Roberts previously confirmed that someone who attended Club Chemistry on that weekend had a diagnosis of meningitis. She estimates over 2,000 people attended the venue over the course of the weekend, between March 5 and 8.
“We’re devastated. Two young people have lost their lives, and 13 more are seriously ill. Our thoughts are with the families and hoping everyone is okay,” she told the People’s Channel.
The outbreak has been attributed to individuals sharing vapes and close contact within the nightclub, though no blame has been put on the venue itself.
Louise Jones-Roberts told the People’s Channel that the venue is ‘devastated’, adding: ‘There is literally nothing we could have done’
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GB NEWS
“I’ve been asked a few times what we’re going to do going forwards,” the club owner said. “Ultimately, sometimes not being able to do anything is harder. There is literally nothing we could have done.
“It’s passed person-to-person, they define it as close contact – it’s prolonged close contact. It’s kissing, it is sharing vapes, it could potentially be sharing drinks, but there has to be that prolonged exposure.
“It’s just really unfortunate. We’re a busy venue, a community venue, it’s a place where a lot of people congregate.”
Yesterday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urged those who attended the club to come forward for preventive meningitis antibiotics.
Hundreds of students and locals queued at the campus to receive the precautionary antibiotics, under the guidance of the UKHSA.
Mrs Jones-Roberts said the venue is closed and will remain closed until the plans and antibiotics put in place by the UKHSA have been proved to be successful.
“There needs to be safety and there needs to be security around… we won’t be opening until then.”
The University of Kent cancelled in-person exams this week, while the student union called off its events.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said: “People who need antibiotic treatment are responding to our calls to come forward and we are working closely with the NHS to ensure these are offered at the various sites throughout today.
“Once again we remind anyone who visited Club Chemistry between 5 and 7 March to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precaution, as well as those offered antibiotics at the university.
“Investigations have now confirmed that some of the cases are Men B. It is important to be aware that the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered to teenagers does not protect against Men B, which is why knowing the symptoms and seeking early treatment is so important.
“If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, do not hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”