TWO Cheltenham Festival workers fear they may have infected thousands of race-goers after suffering coronavirus symptoms while tending bar.
Andrew Maclean, 24, and Scott Saunders, 25, told The Mirror they were advised to continue working by the Jockey Club despite complaining of dry coughs and other symptoms.
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Over 250,000 punters descended on Cheltenham last week for four days of horse racing and revelry, despite criticism of the festival going ahead.
Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, originates from China and has infected over 230,000 people worldwide while killing almost 9,400.
Mr Maclean, who worked at a restaurant, and Mr Saunders, who was behind a bar, now worry they have exposed many to the potentially fatal illness.
And they are questioning why Cheltenham organisers didn’t pull the plug on the event, claiming other workers are also complaining of coronavirus-type symptoms.
Mr Maclean said: “I’m pretty certain we all have coronavirus in this house. I’ve never had anything like it before.
“It’s the worst I have ever felt. My chest is really tight. The fever is horrendous.
“By the second day of the festival we had symptoms.We had the dry cough.
“The Jockey Club said that it could just be a common cold so not to worry, so we took their advice and came back in.”
Mr Saunders now fears many are in danger of developing similar symptoms, explaining: “There were over 250,000 people there over the four days of the festival.
“They were adamant that the precautions they put in place would protect us.
“I’ve spoken to others who worked at the festival and they have symptoms.
“The tightness in the lungs makes it harder to breathe. It feels like your chest and your lungs are being put in a vice.”
