A FORMER pub worker wants everyone to join her for a drink to tackle social isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, people will still be obeying THE strict Government rules as partygoers will be connected using Facebook’s Live streaming service.

Alex Clarke, 56, from St John’s, Worcester, got the idea while sitting at home.

Alex said: "My son lives in Australia, my daughter in London and I have other family and friends in Worcester but everyone is self-isolating at the moment.

“I’ve got a bar in my garden and I wanted to do something to get everyone in a more positive mood, to join me for an hour and get away from the doom and gloom of the television news.”

She will have a stuffed mannequin sitting next to her, perched on a stool, and its face will change each night to a famous person from pop culture.

Sunday’s theme will be The Beatles and people are welcome to dress as the famous foursome to join in from home.

Alex added: “We’re all in the same boat during this terrible time so why don’t we all have fun together?

“I enjoy making people laugh and have a large collection of fancy dress items I’ll put to good use.”

Worcester city councillor Richard Udall said: “This is great - it shows how dynamic people in St John’s can be.

“This is the community coming together during a time of crisis, to escape for an hour and have fun.

“It’s great Alex is cheering people up and I want to thank her on a personal level too.

“I’ll be joining the virtual get together from my living room along with my dog, Murphy, who has a wonderful falsetto voice he can put to good use on the night!”

Pubs were told they must close after Friday, March 20 in a bid to stop people meeting and potentially spreading the virus.

Schools were also closed and people were told to observe strict ‘social distancing’ guidelines which mean they must stay two metres apart.

The country was put into ‘lockdown’ on Monday, March 23 and people were told to stay at home except to buy food or medicine or carry out essential work.

Anyone wanting to join in the fun can do so by searching Facebook for ‘Granny AL’S bar’ and joining the group.

For the latest news on coronavirus, visit worcesternews.co.uk

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