The nightclub linked to a recent meningitis outbreak is set to reopen this week, with a warning for patrons to avoid kissing and close contact. Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent, temporarily closed after health officials tied most of the recent meningitis cases to the venue. Despite this, the club will resume operations on Thursday, 18 days after the closure.
To ensure safety, the nightclub is urging visitors to refrain from intimate contact and has issued a social media advisory emphasizing caution. Notably, there have been no new reported cases of meningitis since March 20.
In a social media post, Club Chemistry outlined safety measures: avoiding sharing personal items like vapes, cigarettes, or drinks, being cautious with intimate contact, recognizing symptoms, seeking medical help if symptoms appear, and considering the MenB vaccine for protection.
Additionally, the club announced that all door proceeds on Friday will be donated to Meningitis Now, a charity dedicated to preventing the infection. One parent, Khali Goodwin, shared that her daughter contracted meningitis B after using a vape at the nightclub. Sadly, two individuals, including sixth-form student Juliette Kenny, lost their lives to meningitis during the outbreak.
Club Chemistry has since implemented a COVID-like “track and trace” system for potential future cases, conducted thorough cleaning, and passed inspections by health authorities during the closure period. The first case of meningitis was reported on March 13, with delays in raising the alarm by a Kent NHS trust.
Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, seizures, cold extremities, and excessive drowsiness.
