Asda Westbrook staff test positive for coronavirus

The supermarket giant says that a ‘small number of colleagues’ at its Westbrook Centre supermarket are self-isolating after they were confirmed to have contracted Covid-19.

It is understood that most of these are employees in ‘non-customer facing roles’, such as night shift stock replenishment.

Asda is ‘working closely’ with Warrington Borough Council and Public Health England, with a deep clean having taken place in specific areas of the store.

A spokesman said: “We have been working collaboratively with Public Health England and Warrington Borough Council following confirmation a small number of colleagues working in non-customer facing roles at our Asda Westbrook store displayed symptoms of Covid-19, and they are satisfied with the steps we are taking to ensure that our store is a safe place to shop and work.

“All of the affected areas have undergone an extensive deep clean and the colleagues who had symptoms and then tested positive self-isolated immediately.”

Affected employees went into isolation more than a week ago on full pay.

The council’s director of public health Thara Raj added: “We are continuing to work with Asda to ensure that the store is Covid secure so that staff and shoppers can work and visit with confidence.

“Whether you have recently visited the store or not, you must only book a coronavirus test if you have any of the three main symptoms of a new, persistent cough, high temperature or loss of normal taste or smell – please only arrange for a test if you are displaying symptoms.

“Please also remember that if you are going shopping or to any enclosed settings where there will be multiple people from different households, that you maintain a social distance, wash or sanitise your hands regularly and thoroughly and wear a cloth face covering where appropriate.”