The ‘pingdemic’ has caused an animal rescue centre to postpone its reopening by ten days and rearrange its 50th birthday party.

The Watford branch of the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has decided not to let members of the public in until after self-isolation rules for the double-vaccinated are lifted on August 16.

The centre will now reopen on August 17, instead of August 7 as planned.

NAWT centre manager Jackie de Friez said: “If we reopen before August 16 and a visitor tests positive, the centre will be pinged, forcing everyone present to self-isolate. We couldn’t take that risk. After the 16th, people only have to test themselves, rather than isolate.”

The rescue centre will now hold a party to celebrate its 50th birthday on Saturday, September 18.

Jackie is inviting the local community to join in the celebrations at its A41 site between 11am and 3pm. Guests should park in the Mercure Hotel next door and register their car at reception.

She said: “We hope everyone will come and join us in celebrating not only our birthday, but also the long-awaited reopening of our centre, the café and shops. There will be delicious homemade cakes, stalls, games and fun for all the family. You’ll also be able to take a look at all our animals – squeaking guinea pigs, cute cats and loyal dogs - waiting to find their forever homes.”

Dogs are welcome at the top of the site, although not at the bottom where the animal kennels are, and all money raised on the day will go to supporting the homeless animals in the NAWT’s care.

For further information on the NAWT Watford or to rehome an animal, visit https://www.nawt.org.uk/centres/hertfordshire, call 0208 950 0177 (option 2) or email reception@nawt.org.uk